Dr. Ronald Thomas Petrick

Ronald Thomas Petrick was born on April 27, 1935, to Florin and Ruth Petrick at St. Mary's Hospital in Racine, Wisconsin.

His father, Florin, was a devoted family man who dearly loved and cared for his wife and children. But when Ronald was only four years old and his older brother, Richard, was six, Florin became seriously ill with pneumonia. After only two weeks in the hospital, he passed away.

Ron was only four years old and did not understand what death meant. At the funeral he repeatedly cried, "Daddy, wake up! Daddy, wake up!"

His mother, Ruth, was overcome with grief and cried hysterically, saying she wanted to end her own life. Before Florin's death, she had often turned away soul winners from a local Bible-believing church, pretending she wasn't home whenever they came to visit. But now she desperately needed answers, and she welcomed them into her home.

Through this heartbreaking tragedy, Ruth placed her faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior.

Although she had only a sixth-grade education, she faithfully attended Racine Bible Church, read her Bible daily, and prayed for her boys.

A short time later, she married Florin's brother, Thomas. Sadly, Thomas struggled with alcoholism. He frequently came home beaten up after bar fights and, on many occasions, passed out on the front lawn. Because of his drinking, there were many times when the family lacked money for rent or even food.

Thomas also abused Ruth. When she would hide money to pay the family's bills or buy groceries, he would beat her in an attempt to get it back.

Ronald dreaded weekends because his stepfather often began drinking Friday evening and remained intoxicated until Monday morning, when he returned to work.

During first grade, Ronald contracted both chickenpox and measles. Because he missed so much school, he had to repeat the first grade.

Throughout grade school, junior high, and high school, Ronald became increasingly bitter over the loss of his father and the constant turmoil caused by his stepfather's alcoholism. He fought often, and by his own admission, his goal was to beat up every boy in school.

At the age of nine, Ronald made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ while attending Racine Bible Church.

As a boy, he was fearless—sometimes to the point of being reckless.

In grade school, he jumped from a second-story porch to impress his friends and broke his arm.

He dove from the forty-foot quarry cliffs in Racine into the water below and often swung out over the Lake Michigan shoreline using tree branches and cables fastened to trees.

On one occasion, he missed the branch he was trying to grab and crashed onto the rocks below. He returned home bleeding badly. His mother wanted to take him to the hospital for stitches, but his stepfather simply growled, "It'll heal."

Another time, while competing to see who could swim the farthest underwater in the quarry, Ronald nearly drowned.

When he entered the ninth grade, he dropped out of school to work in a bakery. Before long, however, he decided to return to school so he could play football.

After graduating from high school in 1955, Ronald enrolled at Dana College in Blair, Nebraska, on the recommendation of his high school football team's physician. He entered college on academic probation but worked diligently and eventually graduated near the top of his class.

It was there that he met the young woman who would become his wife, Doris Flarup.

Their relationship developed over the course of about three years, dating on and off. Doris later recalled that Ron often sat at her lunch and dinner table with friends. She admitted it was not love at first sight, but she remembered him as someone who was always laughing, joking, and enjoying life.

She also remembered their very first date. After walking downtown together, Ron asked her a question that would change both of their lives:

"If you died today, are you sure you would go to Heaven?"

Her answer was simple:

"No."

At that time, Ronald himself was not right with the Lord.

While attending college, he trained for football at a gym in Omaha under Daryl Scott, a former Mr. Nebraska weightlifting champion.

One day, while Daryl was standing on a street corner outside the gym, an old friend stopped to share the Gospel with him. Daryl trusted Christ as his Savior that very day, and his life changed dramatically.

He immediately began telling everyone about Jesus. His wife was also saved, and the Lord restored their marriage.

Watching such a genuine transformation deeply convicted Ronald. Although he had heard the Gospel all his life and had made a profession of faith as a boy, he realized he lacked the assurance of salvation and did not possess the changed heart and life he now witnessed in Daryl.

At the age of twenty-three, while alone in his apartment in Nebraska, Ronald cried out to the Lord and genuinely trusted Christ as his Savior.

Not long afterward, he purchased an engagement ring for Doris. However, he determined that he would not propose until he first knew she had personally trusted Christ.

He carefully explained the Gospel to her.

Doris realized that although she knew the Bible stories, she had never personally placed her faith in Jesus Christ.

That day she bowed her head, trusted Christ as her Savior, and accepted His free gift of eternal life.

Immediately afterward, Ronald smiled and said,

"Now I have another question to ask you... Will you marry me?"

As he slipped the engagement ring onto her finger, Doris joyfully answered,

"Yes!"

Ronald and Doris were married on May 16, 1959.

In June 1959, shortly after they were married, Ronald shared with his new bride that he believed God was calling him into the ministry.

Doris later admitted she was stunned.

"That would make me a pastor's wife! I'm not qualified. I'm not ready for this!"

At that time, Ronald knew of only two Bible colleges: Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, and Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. His heart was set on attending Moody.

Because Moody required married couples to have been married for at least one year before enrolling, Ron and Doris patiently waited. In 1960, they moved to Chicago so he could begin his studies.

Ron graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 1963 with a Pastor's Diploma.

While attending Moody, he taught a Sunday school class of approximately forty energetic boys on Chicago's South Side. Even then, God was preparing him for a lifetime of ministry.

Although he had completed his studies at Moody, Ron still believed God wanted him to pastor someday. To finish his undergraduate education, he returned to Dana College in Nebraska for one additional year and earned his bachelor's degree in sociology.

While they were living in Nebraska, the Lord blessed Ron and Doris with their first child, Jolene Kay Petrick.

The family then moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Ron attended the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. During the next two years, he earned his master's degree in psychiatric social work.

While living in Milwaukee, two sons were added to the family: Mark Ronald Petrick and Brian Thomas Petrick.

Soon afterward, the family moved to New London, Wisconsin, where Ron accepted a position at Rawhide Boys Ranch, ministering to juvenile delinquents.

The Petricks served there from approximately 1970 to 1975.

Rawhide was a Christian ministry that combined work programs, chapel services, and Biblical instruction to help troubled young men. Ron preached frequently in chapel, ate meals with the boys each day, and even welcomed some of them into his own home.

Looking back, Doris often said those years at Rawhide were wonderful—not only because they helped many young people, but because they prepared their family for the ministry God had ahead.

In 1972, the Petricks welcomed their fourth and youngest child, Ted Richard Petrick.

Then, in January 1973, the family faced one of the greatest trials of their lives.

Doris suffered a stroke, which doctors described as a blood clot on the brain.

Ted was not yet one year old. Brian was four, Mark was six, and Jolene was eight.

During that difficult season, Ron surrendered everything he loved to the Lord.

He later recalled praying,

"Lord, my wife, my children, and everything I possess belong to You. If You choose to take it all away, I will still serve You."

In His mercy, God spared Doris's life.

Although she remained in the hospital for only one week, the effects of the stroke lasted nearly a full year.

Doris often spoke of God's remarkable provision during that time.

A young family friend named Carol had recently lost her job and needed a place to stay. She moved in with the Petricks and lovingly helped care for the children while Doris recovered.

Doris remembered feeling emotionally exhausted. She wanted to be alone, found even ordinary noise overwhelming, cried without warning, and struggled to concentrate or carry on conversations. Looking back, she recognized these as lingering effects of the stroke.

Church members and friends faithfully encouraged the family, bringing meals, offering practical help, and praying for them throughout her recovery.

At one point Doris became convinced she would never drive again or even be able to comfortably speak with more than one person at a time.

Ron gently refused to let discouragement win.

He continually encouraged her to leave the house with him, assuring her that he needed her by his side wherever he went.

Though hesitant at first, Doris agreed. Those outings became an important part of her emotional and physical recovery.

About two years later, in 1974, God once again began stirring Ron's heart toward the pastorate.

At that time, schools throughout the area were on strike, giving the family an unexpected opportunity to travel together.

Loading everyone into their new Dodge van, the Petricks set off on an unforgettable cross-country trip. They visited the Grand Canyon, California, Salt Lake City, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

The children thought they were simply enjoying a family vacation.

Ron knew otherwise.

Throughout the journey, he earnestly sought God's direction for the next chapter of his life, continually asking the Lord to open the door He desired.

In January 1975, Ron submitted his pastoral résumé through Moody Bible Institute, expecting it to be distributed to churches seeking a pastor.

Months passed without a single response.

Finally, he contacted Moody to ask why.

To his surprise, he learned that his résumé had never been mailed. It had remained in the office and was not sent out until nearly eight months later.

Once it was finally distributed, churches soon began contacting him.

Meanwhile, Ron's supervisor at Rawhide asked when he planned to leave so a replacement could be hired.

Although Ron had no church, no home to move to, and had not yet sold his house, he answered confidently,

"October 1."

He had no explanation for that date other than a quiet confidence that God was leading.

During this same period, Ron was also offered a prestigious position as Chief Psychiatric Social Worker at a Milwaukee hospital.

The director repeatedly contacted him, emphasizing the generous salary, excellent benefits, and promising career opportunities.

Humanly speaking, it was an attractive offer.

But Ron believed God had called him to preach.

About three weeks before October 1, Beach Community Bible Church in Waukegan, Illinois, contacted him and invited him to candidate for the pastorate.

When Doris read the letter, she immediately sensed in her heart,

"This is the church."

Ron preached at the next Sunday morning service, after which the church board interviewed him.

Throughout the day, Doris experienced an overwhelming peace that this was exactly where God wanted their family.

Normally, the church waited two weeks before voting on a pastoral candidate.

However, because Ron needed to leave Rawhide within one week, the church made an exception.

He returned the following Sunday, preached again, and was presented to the congregation.

The vote was unanimous.

Pastor Petrick would become the next pastor of Beach Community Bible Church.

With his characteristic sense of humor, Ron teased the congregation by saying he wasn't sure whether he should accept the call.

Then he smiled and added,

"My van is already packed outside. Anyone who'd like to help can start unloading it into the parsonage!"

At nearly the same time, God also provided a cash buyer for their Wisconsin home, allowing everything to fall into place without delaying the move.

Looking back, Ron often saw God's hand in every detail.

In October 1975, Ronald and Doris Petrick began what would become one of the most fruitful chapters of their ministry.

When Ron and Doris arrived at Beach Community Bible Church in October 1975, they stepped into a ministry that God was already preparing to bless in extraordinary ways.

Over the next five years, the church grew from approximately 50 people to more than 500.

It was an exciting season of ministry.

Doris often reflected on those years as some of the happiest in her life. She cherished the friendships she developed, watched many people come to know Christ, and experienced tremendous spiritual growth.

During this time, Doris's mother, Esther Flarup, trusted Christ as her Savior. She later sold her home in Minnesota and helped Ron and Doris purchase a house on Ford Street, just west of Green Bay Road in Beach Park, Illinois. It became the family home for decades and remained their residence until 2020.

Then, at the age of 46, Pastor Petrick sensed that God was leading him to begin a new work.

With a small group of approximately 70 people, he stepped out by faith.

In late January 1981, Biblical Baptist Church was born.

The young church had no permanent building.

They rented the lower level of the old Zion Library.

Someone donated a bus.

So, before they even had a church building of their own, they already had a bus ministry.

That was just like Pastor Petrick.

Not long afterward, he noticed a piece of property for sale on Green Bay Road in Beach Park.

It was an old mink farm.

As he prayed, God impressed upon his heart that this was the place where the church should someday have its permanent home.

At that time, the congregation had only about 35 people, and many of them were unemployed.

Humanly speaking, purchasing property seemed impossible.

The owner wanted a $25,000 down payment.

Pastor Petrick shared his burden with the church, encouraging them to pray that God would provide if this truly was His will.

Soon afterward, he contacted the owner again.

The news was discouraging.

Someone else had offered a $40,000 down payment, and the property had supposedly been sold.

Pastor Petrick smiled and simply told the owner,

"I'm praying against that sale."

The owner laughed.

He even gave Pastor Petrick the expected closing date.

When that date came and went, Pastor Petrick called him.

The owner insisted he had the wrong date.

So Ron waited again.

The second closing date also passed.

This time, Pastor Petrick didn't call.

He assumed the property was gone.

Then the telephone rang.

It was the owner.

"Are you still interested in my property on Green Bay Road?"

Pastor Petrick answered without hesitation.

"Yes! Praise the Lord!"

He then asked if the church could purchase the property on a land contract.

Although the church had very little money, he offered $15,000 down.

Later, he admitted he had no idea why he said that amount.

They didn't have anywhere close to it.

To his amazement, the owner accepted.

God immediately began providing.

The church held a yard sale and raised the $1,000 earnest money.

A woman who had never attended the church mailed an unexpected gift of $1,000 simply because she had heard a new church was being started.

Pastor Petrick increased the mortgage on his own home by $10,000.

He then challenged members of the congregation to sacrifice in whatever way they could.

Some committed an additional twenty dollars each month.

Others took out personal loans to help.

When everything had been collected, God had provided more than $17,000—more than enough for the required down payment.

Once again, the Lord had done what seemed impossible.

Later in 1981, Biblical Baptist Church moved into its permanent home on Green Bay Road.

The property included seven acres, a two-story building, and an additional three-story structure, all purchased for $120,000 on a land contract.

The buildings required extensive renovation.

Large commercial freezers and coolers had to be removed.

Walls had to come down.

Nearly everything needed attention.

But, as Nehemiah said,

"...the people had a mind to work."

Church members worked tirelessly.

The sanctuary walls were painted bright yellow.

Everyone brought their own chairs.

Little by little, the old mink farm was transformed into a house of worship.

The early years were filled with financial challenges.

Pastor Petrick refused to take a salary.

Instead, he worked part-time jobs while faithfully shepherding the church.

He drove his dependable 1968 Volkswagen Beetle.

Doris also sacrificed.

Six mornings each week—every day except Sunday—she left home around 5:00 a.m. to work at Dunkin' Donuts in Waukegan, helping support both the family and the ministry.

There were many occasions when the church struggled to pay its bills.

Sometimes a major expense would arise unexpectedly.

Other times, a faithful family with steady employment would move away, leaving another financial burden behind.

Yet every time a need arose, God faithfully provided.

One day, the massive concrete cover over the church's septic tank collapsed.

Replacing it would have cost thousands of dollars.

Instead, a man who wasn't even a member of the church volunteered to replace it at no cost.

On other occasions, individuals completely unconnected with the congregation provided new roofs and even paved the church parking lot—again, free of charge.

Time after time, the Lord supplied exactly what was needed.

Looking back, there is no question that God's hand rested upon the ministry of Pastor Ron and Doris Petrick.

Through the years, the Lord fulfilled many of the dreams He had placed in Pastor Petrick's heart.

Biblical Baptist Church became home to a Christian school, a Spanish ministry, a growing bus ministry, a television ministry, a jail ministry, an addictions ministry, a deaf ministry, a vibrant music ministry, and many other outreaches that faithfully proclaimed the Gospel.

Of course, there were also seasons of deep sorrow.

Pastor and Doris experienced heartbreaking losses, including the death of their beloved grandson, Christopher, who passed away in Pastor's arms on Pastor's birthday.

Later, Doris's mother, Esther, also went home to be with the Lord.

Yet through every heartache and every victory, Pastor Petrick never lost sight of what mattered most.

Every soul saved was another victory over Satan.

Every transformed life was another testimony to the power of the Gospel.

Even one of the greatest burdens of his childhood became a testimony of God's grace.

Late in life, Ronald's stepfather trusted Christ as his Savior and spent his final years sober before entering Heaven.

Later, Ronald's mother, Ruth, came to live with Ron and Doris during the final years of her life.

While faithfully pastoring Biblical Baptist Church, Pastor Petrick also earned a Doctor of Biblical Studies degree.

Through the years, countless people told Ron and Doris,

"You became the mom and dad we never had."

Pastor Petrick was especially known for encouraging fellow pastors.

He seemed to have an uncanny sense of knowing exactly when another preacher needed a phone call, a visit, or a word of encouragement.

On one occasion, he preached in chapel at Hyles-Anderson College, sharing openly about the hardships and discouragements of ministry.

The title of his message captured both his experience and his heart:

"Hang in There, Preacher!"

As the years passed, God continued to bless the ministry of Pastor Ronald T. Petrick in ways that only He could accomplish.

What began with a small group of believers grew into a ministry that would touch countless lives throughout the United States and around the world.

Pastor Petrick had prayed for God to allow him to build a ministry that would reach people of every age and background with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Lord answered those prayers in remarkable ways.

Under his leadership, Biblical Baptist Church developed a thriving Christian school, an active bus ministry, a Spanish ministry, a jail ministry, an addictions ministry, a deaf ministry, a television ministry, a vibrant music ministry, and numerous other outreaches. Every ministry existed for one purpose—to glorify God by reaching people with the Gospel and helping them grow in Christ.

Although the ministry experienced many victories, there were also many battles.

There were seasons of discouragement, financial hardship, and heartbreaking loss.

One of the greatest sorrows Pastor Petrick ever experienced was holding his beloved grandson, Christopher, in his arms as he passed into eternity—on Pastor's own birthday.

Only the grace of God could carry a family through such a heartbreaking experience.

Yet Pastor Petrick never became bitter.

Instead, his faith in God's goodness grew even stronger.

Through the years, he often reminded others that every trial God allows has a purpose and that the Lord remains faithful in every circumstance.

One of the greatest joys of his later years was seeing God answer prayers that had been prayed for decades.

The man who had made Ronald's childhood so difficult—his stepfather—eventually trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior.

The Lord not only saved him but also delivered him from the bondage of alcohol. He enjoyed several sober and peaceful years before going home to Heaven.

Later, Ronald's mother, Ruth, came to live with Ron and Doris during the final years of her life.

God had redeemed what once seemed like a hopeless family story.

While faithfully serving as pastor, Dr. Petrick also earned his Doctor of Biblical Studies degree, demonstrating that he never stopped learning or preparing himself to better serve the Lord.

Pastor and Mrs. Petrick became much more than a pastor and his wife to the people of Biblical Baptist Church.

Over the years, countless people affectionately told them,

"You became the mom and dad we never had."

Perhaps no compliment meant more to them.

Pastor Petrick was also widely known among fellow pastors as an encourager.

He seemed to know exactly when another preacher was discouraged.

Many pastors have shared stories of receiving an unexpected phone call from him at precisely the moment they needed encouragement.

His words, prayers, and unwavering optimism strengthened countless men in the ministry.

He also had the privilege of preaching in the chapel of Hyles-Anderson College, where he openly shared the struggles, disappointments, and victories of ministry.

The title of his message perfectly reflected his heart:

"Hang in There, Preacher!"

Grandpa Days

In the midst of a busy ministry, Pastor Petrick never neglected his family.

One tradition that became legendary among his grandchildren was "Grandpa Days."

With the help of Grandma Doris, he planned entire days devoted to spending time with the grandchildren.

Together they packed sandwiches, loaded everyone into the vehicle, and spent the day at parks, zoos, playgrounds, and other fun destinations.

Those days created memories that the grandchildren still cherish.

Many have marveled that, despite the demands of a large ministry, Pastor and Mrs. Petrick always found time to make every grandchild feel loved and important.

A Husband, Father, Pastor, and Friend

For 65 wonderful years, Ron faithfully loved his sweetheart, Doris.

She was not only his wife but also his closest friend, faithful ministry partner, and greatest earthly encouragement.

Together they faced joys and sorrows, victories and trials, always standing side by side.

Ron was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend.

Considering the difficult childhood he endured without a godly father, his life stands as a testimony to the transforming power of God's grace.

By God's strength, he broke a generational cycle of alcoholism, violence, and brokenness, replacing it with a legacy of faith, love, and service to Christ.

To thousands of people, he became not only a pastor but also a spiritual father and grandfather.

Everything he accomplished, he would have been quick to say, was only possible because of the grace of God.

To God alone be the glory.

Pastor Petrick's positive spirit became one of his trademarks.

Anyone who knew him remembers how often he described things as "SUPER!"

That enthusiasm was contagious.

People left conversations with him encouraged, smiling, and believing that God was still at work.

Another phrase that became synonymous with his ministry was:

"Everywhere... Every Day... Everyone."

That simple motto described the way he lived.

He believed every Christian should be a faithful soul winner.

No place was the wrong place.

No day was the wrong day.

No person was beyond the reach of God's grace.

He spoke to people about Christ everywhere he went.

Whether standing in line at a store, sitting in a restaurant, visiting a hospital, or traveling across the country, he looked for opportunities to share the Gospel.

He faithfully carried Gospel tracts with him everywhere—including his famous million-dollar and billion-dollar bill tracts featuring his own smiling picture.

Those unusual tracts started countless conversations about eternal life.

One year alone, Pastor Petrick personally led more than 500 people to Christ.

During 38 years of preaching, teaching, and pastoral ministry, it is estimated that he preached more than 8,000 sermons in churches, over the radio, and in many other settings.

He also authored several Biblical pamphlets and served as editor of the Biblical Baptist Press.

His ministry extended far beyond the United States.

God gave him opportunities to preach in Mexico, Romania, Israel, Guam, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, sharing the Gospel with people around the world.

His influence reached much farther than he ever imagined.

One faithful life, completely surrendered to God, touched countless others for eternity.

In their later years, both Pastor and Mrs. Petrick underwent heart surgery.

As always, they faced those challenges together.

They truly did everything side by side.

Not long after Pastor Petrick's heart surgery, he was driving to the hospital for a follow-up appointment when he was involved in a serious collision with a semi-truck.

The accident completely totaled his van and even broke the axle on the truck.

Yet, by God's protection, Pastor Petrick escaped with only a small scratch on his head.

Many who knew him saw it as another reminder that the Lord still had work for him to do.

Even in their later years, Pastor and Mrs. Petrick remained as active as ever—perhaps, as many lovingly joked, too active.

They continued serving the Lord, encouraging others, teaching, witnessing, and faithfully ministering whenever and wherever they were able.

Through decades of faithful service, God used Biblical Baptist Church to send numerous pastors, missionaries, Christian workers, and faithful families into places of ministry.

Week after week, hundreds of people heard the Gospel through the various ministries of the church.

Year after year, thousands came to know Christ through the faithful work of Pastor and Mrs. Petrick and the people they had the privilege of serving alongside.

Only eternity will reveal the full impact of lives changed through their ministry.

Ron and Doris devoted their lives to serving the Lord Jesus Christ.

They willingly followed Him wherever He led, never seeking personal recognition but simply desiring to be faithful.

They encouraged the discouraged.

Strengthened the weak.

Loved the overlooked.

Welcomed the hurting.

And faithfully pointed people to Jesus Christ.

Their greatest desire was never to build a name for themselves.

It was to glorify God.

Pastor Petrick was a man of remarkable strength.

He was strong physically.

Strong mentally.

Strong emotionally.

But above all, he was strong spiritually.

He was never afraid to stand for Biblical truth, even when it was unpopular.

He understood that taking a stand sometimes brought criticism and misunderstanding, yet he remained gracious toward those who disagreed with him.

Whether people agreed with him or not, no one could honestly question his love for God or his love for people.

He genuinely loved everyone.

Those who knew him best remember his joyful spirit, contagious enthusiasm, and unwavering faith.

They remember his deep love for his family.

His love for his church family.

His passion for soul winning.

His love of boxing and football.

His fascination with colorful freshwater tropical fish.

His famous million-dollar and billion-dollar Gospel tracts.

His appreciation for strong Biblical preaching and Christ-honoring music.

His encouragement to pastors.

His hearty laugh.

His warm smile.

And, of course, they remember one word that seemed to describe almost everything in his life:

"SUPER!"

That word became more than an expression.

It became part of who he was.

Pastor Petrick believed life was a gift from God.

He believed every day was another opportunity to serve Christ.

He believed every person was someone worth loving.

He believed every Christian should tell someone about Jesus.

And he lived exactly that way.

His life proved that the grace of God can transform a broken childhood into a beautiful testimony...

A bitter heart into a compassionate shepherd...

A frightened little boy into a courageous preacher...

And an ordinary man into an extraordinary servant of God.

No one who truly knew Pastor Ronald Thomas Petrick will ever forget the difference he made.

His influence lives on in his family.

In the churches he strengthened.

In the pastors he encouraged.

In the missionaries he inspired.

In the countless lives he touched.

And in the thousands who will spend eternity in Heaven because someone faithfully shared the Gospel with them.

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant."— Matthew 25:21

If Pastor Petrick could speak to us one last time, he would not want the attention focused on himself. He would simply point us to the Savior he loved and served for so many years. His life was never about making his own name known—it was about making Christ known.

To God be all the glory!

Survivors include his children, Jolene Chavarria, Mark (Ramona) Petrick, Brian (Lisa) Petrick, Ted (Nancy) Petrick; grandchildren, Bethany (Micah) Highland, Breanna Petrick, Benjamin Petrick, Duane Smith, Nicolette Smith, Markanthony Petrick, Matthew Petrick, Tamyann Petrick, Louis Petrick, Ricky Petrick (Tania Sajuan), Maritza Petrick (Oswaldo Jimenez), Victor Petrick (Dora Aguilar); 18 great-grandchildren, nieces; Laurie and Jane (Scott). Nephews Todd and Tim. Former-in-laws, Edith Petrick, and Tonio Chavarria.

Ronald is preceded in death by his wife Doris, his sister, Carol, his grandsons, Christopher Brian Petrick, and Josue Chavarria; parents, Florin Petrick, Ruth Petrick. His step-father Thomas Petrick.

His older brother Richard Petrick (93) also passed away just 4 days after Ronald on July 29th 2026 in California. He was also a Godly Christian man who led people to Christ, and served in a discipleship organization called "The Navigators" serving those in the military. Ronald and Richard talked on the phone and prayed for each other last on July 20th, 2026.

Visitation for Dr. Ronald T. Petrick will be held on Thursday, August 13th from 5:00pm until 8:00pm and viewing on Friday August 14th from 8:00am until 9:30am. Service from 9:30am -12:30pm at Biblical Baptist Church, 39236 N. Green Bay Road, Beach Park, IL 60087. Burial will follow at Benton Greenwood Cemetery next to the Church in Beach Park, at 1:00pm.