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Brett Petriken Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Brett Petriken
Sponsored by Tamara Keene, second cousin, To Rhiannon.
Charlie Gili
December 15, 2019
Hello,
We apologize for being so late in expressing our deepest condolences to you and your family. We want you to know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this holiday season and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo, service branch, rank and hometown of Brett J. Petriken US Army Staff Sergeant.
We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community, their families, friends and others who support our mission.
We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
Innishirow Sparrow
May 29, 2017
Remembering you on this Memorial Day. I worked beside you on the Teller line back at Pace from 1991 till you left for the millitary. Didnt know you had passed until a few years ago. You were always a Big guy with a Big Smile. The Front End was proud of you for going to serve Our Country.
Sincerely,
R.A. Hill
christine petriken
May 26, 2013
Well its been 10 long years....i so miss u and wish u were here to see your daughter she sure is a beauty.....what i would do to see u just more more time......keep watching over us ........love u and miss u more then ever
Joshua Wilson
May 25, 2013
Brett,
I am certainly thinking about you and your family this weekend. Thank you for all the lessons you taught me. Thank you for your friendship. May God bless your family so they always walk in your light.
AJ
May 24, 2013
Prayers for peace in your hearts and only happy memories of his life. We won't forget Brett.
Israel Nippon
April 19, 2013
worked with Brett early nineties at Pace always a great guy always smiling
so sad to learn this
Condolences
Greg Gyarmati (SFC, Retired)
January 25, 2013
To the Petriken Family:
I apologize for the last sympathies. I was stationed with Brett at Ft. Stewart, GA from 1998-2000. He was in 3rd Platoon and I was the Platoon Sergeant for 2nd. Brett and I talked many times. He was a great person and a great NCO. I wanted him as one of my squad leaders. I have been retired for 9 years, but I think of him often. God bless.
Jennifer and Bill Hubbard
September 12, 2012
Hi there, my husband Bill Hubbard was at Fort Bragg with your dad. I also knew your mom and dad. You were just born when we left FT.Bragg. We didn't find out about your dad until 2 years after his death. I was searching for your dad to surprise my husband with, but only found out through another friend he had been killed. We cried for days, we still cry over this. My husband, Bill, talks about your dad all the time. He said that your dad was like an angel on earth, said that noone was as great as your dad, that he was the nicest person he has ever known. He says he can still hear your dads laugh. We have a picture of your dad in one of our picture frames and its still hard to believe that he isn't here. My husband laughs because he does this rockstar scream, and when my husband was mad or down, your dad would say,"Do your rockstar scream,Bill!" then my husband would do it, and feel better! They once had a dance off in the barracks, if you can imagine an 80's-90's dance off! I could go on and on, with great funny stories from my husband. Bill misses his friend, "Pett" and we plan on going to Arlington to visit his grave. Bill's favorite band is Tesla, and everytime we play the dvds or cds when they play Love Song, he screams out, This is for you Pett!! So on that note,the best of luck to you Rhiannon in the future.
Paul Williams
May 28, 2012
I always remember you and your family, especially during Memorial Day. It seems like it was yesterday that I was praying for your family and that the peace that only Christ could bring when they got the news of your death would comfort them. God bless your family this Memorial Day!
Rhiannon Petriken
February 27, 2012
Hey Dad, it's Rhiannon. I know I have not been on this thing in years. God, I wish you were here. I'm 17, 18 this August. I graduate high school in 4 months, crazy right! This year has been tough, I often wish you were here to talk to me about things like how this boy and that boy aren't good enough for your little girl or for you to see me off to my senior prom and then after this summer to college. This may, your memorial weekend to be exact, me and mom are going on the Motorcycle run up in arlington. I'm going to go visit you. I really miss you Dad, I love you so much. You will always be my hero <3
L Neal
May 27, 2011
To the family of Staff Sgt. Brett J. Petriken:
Please know that just as your loved one remains in your hearts and minds; his sacrifice, and that of your family, remains with the people he died defending. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for his bravery and selflessness, or the heartache we feel for your loss. God bless and keep you always.
Peggy Childers
May 26, 2011
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Brett J. Petriken:
Please accept my remembrance of Brett on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
May 27, 2010
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Brett J. Petriken:
Remembering Brett on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Marcus Watkins
March 25, 2010
As i look at your picture all i can think of is how much of a good teamate he was in High School. Your Son blocked for me all four years and i never seen him complain about anything. I can only image how excellent of a soilder he was.
Much Love
Marcus Watkins
The Watkins Family
Kenna
March 22, 2010
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Almost 2,000 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and want you know that everyone here at Project Compassion does and will always CARE.
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
[email protected]
SSG Aaron Meier
February 13, 2010
SSG P was my mentor. He was my role model. I was one of 2 of his team leaders under him in his squad. I think about him and Nalley every day. My only hope in life is that I am even a sliver of what Pet was as a soldier, NCO and person. I will never forget him.
Bob Baker
January 10, 2010
Dear Petriken's,
I'm so sorry for your loss, Bret was no doubt one of the nicest guys I have ever meet, always had a smile on his face. I was stationed with Bret in Augsburg, my favorite memory was when we got him to do his "white boy dance" in the middle of this quiet little German bar, probably one of the funniest things I have ever seen.
I will always remember you Brother.
Joshua Wilson
June 12, 2009
Brett,
As time goes by, I still think of you often. I wear a black bracelet with your service information. You were a brother in arms and a friend. I think of your memorial at Arlington and remember how I felt that cold rainy day. I know you are at peace. Your memory lives on in the soldiers you mentored.
Peggy Childers
May 26, 2009
To the family of Staff Sgt. Brett J. Petriken:
Brett gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
jonathan carter
February 22, 2009
I was in his platoon when that day happened, I am a lucky person to have know such a great man, he was our hero around the company every soilder wanted to be just like him!! I still wake up thinking that i hear his laugh. If there is anything I can do please let me know.
SPC Stromberg, chris
June 14, 2008
Rest in peace, I will never forget all the courage you gave me when i first hit germany. I miss hearing you call me killer, and seeing you holding your coffee cup in the ealry morning. thanks for being there.
In Memory of Brett ~ (Debra Estep)
May 26, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Brett, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
Visit this link to hear the song.
The Other Side –
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Please contact me and I will email you back a copy of my
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
The Neal family
May 14, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Petriken,
Please know that just as your loved one will remain in your hearts and minds, his sacrifice and that of your family, will remain with the people he died defending. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for his bravery and selflessness, or the heartache we feel for your loss. God grant you the peace that passes all understanding.
Nathan Hove
May 2, 2008
Rhiannon, I was stationed at Ft. Stewart GA. with your Dad. He was my squad leader, and my friend. I have never met such a person as your father. A real mans man with a sensitive side few saw. He always put everyone else and their problems first. This is what made him a great MP and friend. We shared fatherhood and talked of you frequently amongst ourselves. I can't imagine what your life will be without him, knowing what he meant to everyone else. Know this.... he was a great man who was happy and selfless and he loves you above all else. Thank you for sharing him with all of us, and allowing him to make our lives that much brighter. -SPC. Nate Hove 293rd MP.
November 16, 2007
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Staff Sgt Petriken!
d p
August 6, 2007
I am so sorry for your the loss of your daddy, little one. Be strong though, and know that he is looking down on you with joy in his heart. I didn't know him but I can see the happiness in his eyes while hes holding you. GOD BLESS.
August 4, 2007
I don't pretend to know what to say or do that would bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON (KIA on 07/06/07) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
JASMEEN PAYNE
July 13, 2007
To The Family,
I never got to meet Brett, but I had the pleasure of meeting Rhiannon, her Mom and Grandmother, Dorothy; whom I worked with in Raleigh, NC.
I resently read a peom Rhi wrote about her Dad that touched my heart.
I know she will always have him close and will look to him in her prayers.
GOD bless her and his loved ones.
Sincerely-With Love,
July 6, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Staff Sgt Petriken and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Mary Ann McConkey
June 22, 2007
I met Craig in highschool and we'd camp at the same campground every summer. He was a great guy and I still think of him and his wife and daughter all the time. God bless each of you.
Garnet Jenkins
May 26, 2007
May the Peace of God and your memories of Staff Sgt. Brett J. Petriken, remain in your heart always.
Please know how deeply sorry I was, to learn of the loss of this Brave Young Soldier.
A Multitude of Thanks, for his Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.
Those who Made this Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many and So Young, shall Never Be Forgotten, my brother among them. Killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Eddie Doyle
January 30, 2007
I talked with you ate with you laughed with you. Now I cry but not with you,so sorry your gone Brother I know you are missed By two precious ladies.God loves you guys so hang in there,Love Ed,
Pete Mejia
January 29, 2007
To Brett's Family,
I would like to express my deepest sympathies for your loss. I was Brett's roomate in BNCOC in 1998 at Ft Mcclellan,Alabama. I learned of Brett's passing in the fall of 2003 while I was serving in Iraq. Although we spent a short time together,there are many memories that I will cherish in my lifetime.Ill never forget sittng in our room and listening as he spoke to his Wife and his Daughter on the phone. There was no doubt how much he loved and adored you. To Brett, you'll never be forgotten Brother. You'll always be one of the "Four Horsmen" from BNCOC. I am Honored to have served with such a great NCO.
Janet Doyle
January 28, 2007
I was stationed in Germany with Brett. My daughter used to babysit for Rhea. I was sadden by the news of his death and know that he is missed. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Janet Doyle
Destinie Doyle
January 27, 2007
Rhiannon you were not old enough to have a memory of me baby girl. I babysat you in Augsburg Germany when you were just a little baby. I still have pictures of you. I happened to watch Farenheit 911 and saw that your father had passed. Words can not possibly express how deeply I feel for you and for your mom. Chris I love you too please get in touch with me my parents have been trying to find you for years now. We love you so much.
Love
Destinie Doyle
Gary Allain
December 14, 2006
Staff Sgt. Brett J. Petriken
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
October 15, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Petriken family in the loss of Brett. I did not know Brett, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Brett it has been over 3 years since you were taken please know that you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Taylor Musselman
May 31, 2006
Hi my name is Taylor, and in my high school which is Plymouth High School. My teacher assigned me to write about Brett and another soldier. I'm very sorry about the loss and i hope God stays with you.
Dusty Pounds
May 22, 2006
Chris and Family:
Sorry to hear about Brett. I had been trying to find a way to contact you guys and let you know we have been prayin for you. I hope you all can find peace and find blessings in the memories you have. GOD BLESS!!!!
Jeremy Hunter
March 19, 2006
To the Family of Brett,
I was on the 3rd ID Color Guard with Brett from 1998 to 2000. We had a lot of good times. I was also in Iraq at the time of his departure. I am sorry for the lose of such a great person. My thoughts will be with you always.
Jeremy
Leif Anderson
January 19, 2006
To the Family of Brett Petriken,
I knew him well and cannot offer anything other than I am sorry for your lost. I knew Brett in Augsburg and remember him fondly as a soldier, and a father. I wish that I could express to you my feelings but trying to type them out only lose there meanings. I pray that all will be well as you go through this time. May you Look to the lord for guidance and peace.
Sean Blinn
May 8, 2005
Hi! I served with Brett at 293rd MP CO Ft Stewart Ga...3rd PLT "RED DOGS!!" Brett was a great guy and I thank God that I was able to have a positive relationship with him throughout my time at 293rd. He always put others before himself and most importantly, he cared about all of us. Rest in peace Brett...for you shall live forever in my heart and thoughts.
Dean Curtis
March 3, 2005
I didn't know Brett but I wanted to let his family know that I will pray for them. My heart goes out to Brett's daughter as I have a 7 yr old little girl also.
Peggy Ewing & Family
June 3, 2003
Again; with heartfelt sympathy in your loss. Brett will always be remembered for his special ways.
Peg Ewing & Family
Katrina Donovan
June 2, 2003
Bart and Janice I don't even know where to start. I have known all three of you for what feels like forever. I have so many childhood memories that include all three of you in it. Expecially Bart and Brett. All through my school years Brett was always in at least one of my classes. He was a wonderful person and it was an honor to know him. In my heart he will always be a hero.
Ken Cerny
May 31, 2003
Dear Mike,
I was most distraught to hear of the loss of your son. I remember you telling me of your trip to Germany to go see him. He is in my prayers. With three children of my own now, I cannot imagine the grief you are feeling. You are one of the excellent people I met at Delphi. The cause he served is a most honorable one. I and our country appreciate his sacrifice and are saddened by it.
Sherry Gensheimer
May 31, 2003
Just wanted to let you know how sorry we are for all of you. If there is anything I can do please call me. We are all very PROUD of Brett and what he did for our country.
See all of you soon.
Love you guys!
Sherry, Brad and Danelle
Connie Diment
May 31, 2003
Dear Petriken's,
We are so sorry to hear the news of Brett. Please know that our hearts and prayers are with you and your families.
Connie Diment & Family
(Bob passed away a year ago April)
I can be reached at 989-435-2930 or thru my son, Rob, at 232-3860.
Lisa Kintner
May 30, 2003
We all had great times and I have thought of you frequently through the years since we worked at Pace. Sometimes I think those were the best years of my life. I'm glad I got to see you a few years ago at your sister's wedding. You will be missed greatly. My deepest sympathy goes out to your family and your many friends.
Sabrina Saylor-Parnell
May 30, 2003
Hi I graduated with Brett in 1990 and I just wanted to email and say that I wish that I was home to personally say goodbye. I am currently stationed with the Navy in Florida so I cannot make the funeral. Please stay strong and know that Brett served our country with such pride and dignity. I will keep you in my prayers.
Teri LaMay
May 30, 2003
I have some really great memories from working with you at Pace Membership Warehouse. You always had the ability to make everyone around you smile and laugh. Your bravery fighting for all of our freedom at home will never be forgotten! I send my deepest sympathy to all of your family and friends.
Shawn Chittle
May 29, 2003
Won't forget you bud. Fond memories from Neithercut, McKinley, and Southwestern. You served our country and helped the lives of people you didn't even know. I don't know of anyone I could be more proud of.
Your friend,
Shawn Chittle
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