Col. Herbert G. Petrak, USAF Ret. of Quincy passed into the hands of God on Sunday, December 4, 2016 at Central Washington Hospital, Wenatchee, WA due to complications of pneumonia and heart failure with his wife Sharon at his side.

Herb was born June 20, 1931 in Wenatchee, WA to George and Lydia (Schempp) Petrak of Quincy. He attended Quincy High School graduating in 1949. He then attended Central Washington State College, Ellensburg, WA where he was commissioned through the Air Force ROTC in 1954. Herb earned his Masters of Science degree in Education at Baylor University, Waco, TX in 1964 stationed at James Connally Air Force Base.

His years in the Air Force were spent traveling as he was willing to go anywhere, anytime as he remained unmarried.

Herb’s assignments ranged from France, Texas, Mississippi, South Vietnam, South Carolina, Illinois, Turkey, California, Alabama and North Dakota. He was a graduate of Squadron Officers School, Air Command and Staff College and the Air War College.

Col. Petrak retired from the Air Force on August 1, 1978 after 23 years, 6 months of duty to return home to Quincy, WA to help his sister attend to their aging parents.

In 1981 he met Sharon Goulet in the local coffee shop, Yankee Peddler, and soon realized a mutual attraction. They married on October 30, 1982 and had a splendid 34 years of marriage.

In retirement as a member and Chaplin of the American Legion & VFW Herb found great satisfaction in honoring fallen veterans by presenting flags to over 100 families. His sense of duty and love of country never faltered.

Herb is survived by his wife, Sharon Petrak, sister, Georgina Overen, nieces Debbie (Doug) VanVelkinberg and Marina Overen, great niece and nephew Kaiti and Kyle VanVelkinberg.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George & Lydia Petrak and brother-in-law Clarence Overen.

Col. Petrak will be buried with Full Military Honors at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at the Quincy Valley Cemetery, 625 F Street SW, Quincy, WA. A celebration of his life will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 715 Central Ave. N., Quincy, WA with a reception to follow.

Please leave a memory for the family or sign their online guestbook at www.scharbachs.com.
Scharbach’s Columbia Funeral Chapel, Quincy, WA is assisting the family with arrangements.

Affiliations

US Air Force