Michael Petrick, of Mount Pleasant, MI died Thursday, November 29, 2012 at home. He was 70 years old. He was born on September 6, 1942 in Antigo, a son of Anthony and Mathline (Theriault) Petrick.
He was a 1961 graduate of Antigo High School. He did his undergraduate work and received his Master's degree in 1967 from University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee. He completed his PHD work at University of Wisconsin Madison and received his degree in 1970 in journalism and political science.
He worked in journalism for a number of years beginning as a reporter for the Appleton Post Crescent, then news editor at the Milwaukee South Times Star and finally moving to Washington D.C. where he worked for the Evening Star as copy Editor.
Mr. Petrick moved on to a career as a professor having taught in the School of Journalism at the University of Wisconsin Madison, then at the University of Maryland School of Journalism, and ending his teaching career as Chairman of the department of Journalism at Central Michigan University retiring in 2000.
He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.
Survivors include a cousin Barbara (Lawrence) Loh of Medfield, MA, and their children Peter (Christine) Loh, Christopher (Maggie) Loh and Laura (Ed) Howland, a cousin John (Jeanne) Petrick of San Jose, California and their children John Michael (Karen) Petrick and Janin (Tad) Hutchison; further survived by other cousins and friends.
A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday Dec. 8, 2012 at 1 p.m. at St. John Catholic Church, Antigo with Rev. Jeremiah Worman officiating. Burial will take place in Queen of Peace Cemetery.
Visitation will be 4 - 8 p.m. on Friday at the Bradley Funeral Home and 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. A parish wake service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
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Antigo, WI 54409
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Antigo, WI 54409
I was proud to call Mike a friend, colleague, and mentor. He was the consummate teacher and dedicated to journalism. I'll miss our Sunday morning chats.
Mike was a colleague of mine when we were both teachign at the College of Journalism at the University of Maryland. Because our names were similar we constantly were receiving each other's mail and students often went to the wrong professor. We both taught communications law so the confusion at times was funny.
Mike was full of life and was a great person. I was glad to reconnect with him several years ago when I visited CMU as a visiting professor. So many students and fellow teachers were enriched by his dedication, easy personality and caring for what he did. We will all miss him. He left the world a much better place and his life lives on through the many who were taught by him.
Dr. Petrick was my favorite J prof shortly after his arrival at CMU. He supervised my practicum in student governement communications and I learned loads from him. I also enjoyed our friendship after graduation. Very sorry for your loss.
We will miss you Mike. Louis had send you an invitation to the graduation dinner on 12/15/12 and were looking forward to seeing you. Thanks for the frindship
We are very sorry to hear of Michael's passing. As former neighbors on Michigan Street we have fond memories of him, his mother and his dog Bootsie. Our four children and dog Daisy all grew up just two houses away from Michael. We enjoyed our many conversations with him. He will always be remembered by us as a kind and gentle person. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
What I always enjoyed most about being around Mike was his sense of humor and good cheer, to paraphrase something Mike himself said about another of our colleagues, Tom Rood. He could just as well have written it about himself--as well as this statement Mike also wrote: "During his tenure at CMU he helped keep us from taking ourselves too seriously." He was a good friend and colleague. Miss you, Mikey.
Dr. Mike Petrick always enjoyed hearing about the Department of Journalism at CMU. He had a hearty laugh and a great sense of humor and a legion of students who were impressed with his knowledge of the law and his passion for journalism.
Dr. Petrick shared his love for journalism with passion, knowledge and unique humor. Some of my fondest memories (and heartiest laughs) at Central are from his classes in Anspach Hall. He will be missed.
My condolences,
Wayne Kamidoi
1987 CMU graduate
Such great accomplishments Mike made to the world. So sorry to lose him. He was my HS classmate.
Best journalism prof ever. Rest in peace, Dr. Petrick.
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