November 11, 1925 ~ July 8, 2016
Anna (Kolarik) Petrik was born November 10, 1925 and passed away July 8, 2016 at the Caldwell Hospital. She was born in Anthony, Kansas to George and Vlasta(Skalnik) Kolarik. She attended Dist. 118, a rural school in Sumner County KS; then Caldwell High School, where she graduated with the class of 1943. Before the age of eighteen, she became proficient with piano, violin and flute. Spending a short time at KU, she played violin with University Symphony Orchestra, which sparked a lifetime interest in classical music. Later, she attended Emporia State where she took many art and weaving classes for credit. During WWII she stopped attending college to help fill the need for teachers in rural schools. During the four years she taught, her love and talent for music served her well.
Anna was an artist. She was a hand weaver and spinner, she also worked with watercolors, acrylic, and collage. She helped organize and served several years as leader of Caldwell’s Heritage Arts Council, and provided expertise in organizing and facilitating several large art exhibitions. Her work was accepted by, and won awards in juried art exhibitions in Kansas. Her work was also exhibited in art galleries and was contributed to books published by the Penfield press. She was also a member of the Hutchinson Art Association.
Anna was a prolific reader. She owned a large library of books and articles, and was a serious student of the Bible, and other subjects. Anna supported her sons and local youth in the activities of the Sunflower 4H Club and the Blackstone School. Anna loved wild flowers and studied species native to the Kansas prairie. She embraced new technology and greatly enjoyed contact with her friends through her iPhone, iPad, and Facebook. She taught Sunday school at the Caldwell Presbyterian Church for 45 years, led worship at local nursing homes across the area and served as lay pastor in various south central Kansas Presbyterian Churches. She made it her life’s work to serve the lord and teach the word of God to others.
Anna married Alvin Petrik in 1947, while they were both teaching in rural Harper County. The Petrik family lived on the farm where Anna grew up 13 miles west of Caldwell. Anna and Alvin stayed there for 65 years. Before moving to the town of Caldwell, in 2012. She supported her family as a homemaker, bookkeeper, and business manager, teacher and most of all, mom. She was a terrific mom who offered endless support and advice to her children. Sometimes her family referred to her as “Dr. Mom”. She also gave support and advice to other family members and children of the area and was known by some as “everybody’s mom”. Anna enjoyed being with her family and considered it one of her greatest pleasures in life.
She is survived by her husband Alvin Petrik, three sons, Wayne(Pam) Petrik, George(Tricia) Petrik, and Dennis(Mary Beth)Petrik. She had a fourth son, Richard who died at birth. She is also survived by a sister, Martha Turner, of Edmond, Oklahoma. Grandchildren Christy Petrik, Jenny Petrik, Corinne Petrik, Adam Petrik, Kristin Hutsler (Jory), Josh Petrik; and great-grandchildren Brecken Hutsler, Emilia Petrik and Baylor Hutsler.
A Celebration of Life will be held July 16, 2016 at 1:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church, 1 South Osage, Caldwell, Kansas with refreshments afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Presbyterian Church in Caldwell or the Caldwell Public Library in care of Schaeffer Mortuary 6 N Main Caldwell, KS 67022.
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Sincere condolences to the Petrik family
Dani Berline - 07/09/2016
What a wonderful woman & special person! My family loved her dearly...
So sorry for your loss.
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Anna was a large part of my
Dee Berline - 07/14/2016
Anna was a large part of my growing up. She taught me a lot about life. She was never afraid to share her views or opinions. She was a wonderful role model and the world will be a little colder without her here.
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Condolences
Mr. and Mrs. Dw... - 07/15/2016
We were sorry to hear about the death of Anna. She was a wonderful woman. When our mother died we found a stack of letters from her Cousin Anna. Anna's interest in others and concern for others were evident. Our prayers are with you.
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Anna leaves an impression
Beckie Miller - 07/18/2016
Dennis I was sorry to hear about your mom's passing. She loved her sons. She has left an impression on me even after all these years. My thoughts are with your family.
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