Obituary of Walter William Petroski

Walter W. Petroski, J.D., CLU, of Eagan, died on March 3, 2021 at the age of 95. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Dorothy; children Mary Jean Higgins (Jim), Janet Hansen (Bill) and Alan Petroski (Jill); grandchildren Jeff (Emily) and John Higgins; Maureen, Kevin, Ryan, and Colin Hansen; and great-grandchildren Calvin and Cameron Higgins. Preceded in death by brothers John, Ray, and Jim Petroski. Walt grew up in North Minneapolis and graduated from DeLaSalle High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 18 and served for three years on an island in the South Pacific. He loved to talk about his experiences in the Navy and even wrote a book about them. Upon his return, he attended the University of Minnesota and attained a degree in business. While working for the IRS, Walt went to night school at William Mitchell College of Law and graduated with honors. He was proud of being the first in his family to graduate from college and that his children and grandchildren did the same. Walt was employed as an attorney for Western Life Insurance Company for over 25 years. Interests throughout his life included golf, bridge, and Toastmasters International. Walt was a very good speaker and started the Toastmasters Club at Western Life. He enjoyed his many years as a choir member at the Church of St. Peter in Mendota, but most of all, he treasured time spent with his friends and family. Walt’s quick wit and sense of humor stayed with him all his life. He was a wonderful storyteller. And if he teased you, it meant he liked you. Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am with visitation at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 19, 2021 at the Church of St. Peter in Mendota. COVID-19 precautions will be followed, and masks are required. Livestream of the Mass can be found at stpetersmendota.org. Interment will follow Mass at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery at 12:45 pm. The family thanks Minneapolis VA Home Based Primary Care, caregiver Latshia McMillon, and VA Medical Center for Walt’s wonderful care. Memorials preferred to the Historic Church of St. Peter in Mendota http://www.stpetersmendota.org/donations and the DeLaSalle High School Student Scholarship Fund http://www.delasalle.com/development/make-a-gift/