John Joseph Petek

1946 - 2015

John Petek passed away Nov. 16, 2015. John was born March 20, 1946, in Billings to the late John J. and Evelyn Petek. He was raised in Billings with his family.

John attended college in Billings, majoring in art and physical education. After college, John taught high school art and coached basketball, football and baseball in Montana and Oregon. John coached the Bozeman Bucks and the Missoula Mavericks Legion Baseball teams. John was very proud when a student, team member or child excelled academically and athletically, no matter what the sport or education they pursued.

John was a gifted painter and sculptor and a nationally renowned artist. He created bronze sculptures for his father, the late John J. Petek, Muhammad Ali, Arthur Ash, and Kareem Abdul Jabbar to name a few. Wherever John went, his sketch pad was in his hand, always ready to capture an important moment.

John loved all sports and was always eager to cheer on his beloved University of Montana Grizzlies. His love to talk about sports, his strong political opinion, and his witty sense of humor will be missed by family and friends.

John is survived by the love of his life and wife of 32 years, Julie (Hangas) Petek. John is also survived by his children, Gabe (Andrea) Petek and Sonja Petek (Jim Hardine); sisters, Diane Nelson and Margaret (Pete) and Paul Gierach; brother, Jim and Betty Petek; grandchildren, Will and Eden Petek; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Bill and Cindy Hangas, Bob Hangas, Matt and Connie Hussung (Brandon, Arica, Madison). John is survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John J. and Evelyn Petek; father- and mother-in-law, Phil and Joyce Hangas; brother-in-law, Wayne Nelson; nephew Phillip Wendland; and niece, Heather Hangas.

Services for John will be held Saturday, Nov. 21 at 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church with Reverend Linda Fritz officiating. Graveside services will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Three Forks. There were be a reception for family and friends at the United Methodist Church Annex after the graveside service.