George Petroff

A loving and caring husband, father, and grandfather are ways his family describes George. He enjoyed many things in life including the Wisconsin Badgers, curling, concerts, and theatre. George also loved to golf, visit museums, fish, and travel with his family and friends. He was an active member of the Wausau Noon Optimist, Wausau Elks, Curling Club, and Optivest (an investment club).
He was born in Canton, OH, to the late Christ, and Jenny Petroff on July 24, 1937. After graduating from high school, George went to college at Ohio University for his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He met his best friend and wife Polly while attending college. After college, he joined the U.S. Air Force until being honorably discharged. During their almost 52 years of marriage they had four children, and eventually 11 grandchildren who George loved spending time with.
After four years in Fort Wayne, IN, George and Polly made Wausau, WI. their home. He worked as the marketing manager for Marathon Electric for 44 years until his retirement in 2009. Retirement for George allowed him to spend more time doing the things he loved in life. He especially enjoyed hosting and participating in casino trips with WoJo travel.
Sadly George Petroff, 74, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Wausau on Thursday, January 19, 2012.
George will be forever missed by his wife, Polly; Three daughters, Linda LaVake, Neenah; Judith (Kelton) Glewwe, Inver Grove Heights, MN; Kristin Fassbinder (Brett Kehoe), Oshkosh; One son David (Molly Weiss) Petroff, Waunakee; Son-in-law, Jeff LaVake, Neenah; 11 grandchildren, Jordan, Nick, Zach LaVake; Clarissa, Blake Glewwe; Logan, McKenna Fassbinder; Tyler, Turner Kehoe; Elliot, Josephine Petroff; And special family friend, Bev Winters, Wausau. Slyvester and Tabitha will miss their favorite warm spot on his lap.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Peter, and Nick Petroff; and one son in law Robert Fassbinder.
A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday January 24, 2012 at the First Presbyterian Church of Wausau. The family will receive guests from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Officiating will be Rev. Joy Nelson-Jeffers. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Donna and Joel DeKoning. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Wausau Curling Club building fund, Wausau Noon Optimist Club, or First Presbyterian Church of Wausau. You may sign our family guestbook at helke.com and share any thought or memories.