John Joseph Petruska, 46, of Britt, died Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014. He went to be with his heavenly father, passing away peacefully at his home with his family by his side after a courageous battle with cancer. John was born June 4, 1967, in Virginia to John (Jack) Petruska and Mary Ann Leathers. He grew up in Eveleth, graduating from Eveleth High School in 1985. On Sept. 3, 1988, John was joined in holy marriage to Tammy Van Soest at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Midway. They were blessed with two wonderful boys, Joshua and Robert. John worked at Hill Wood Products in Cook for 10 years and later was a bartender where he was known for his quick wit and contagious smile. He was currently employed as a paraprofessional at the Northland Learning Center where his life experiences helped him guide many of the students there. He was also a PCP of NHS of Chisholm working at a home in Virginia. John was an avid fisherman — he enjoyed fishing on Lake Vermilion and spending time at Lake 14 with his family. He was a fishing guide on Lake Vermilion where he loved teaching people the thrill of the Muskie hunt. He also volunteered yearly for the Youth for Christ Muskie Challenge on Lake Vermilion. John also took the time to enjoy the simple and most beautiful things in life. He will be forever remembered and greatly missed by his family and friends.
John is survived by his loving wife of 25 years: Tammy; sons: Joshua and Robert of Britt and his special companion: Doco; mother: Mary Ann Leathers of Virginia; father: John "Jack" (Patty) Petruska of Iron; sister: Mary Beth Petruska of Mountain Iron; stepbrother: Paul (Shelly) Brunner of Virginia; mother- and father-in-law: Tim and Kathy Van Soest of Britt; and many nieces and nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law, extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents.
A celebration service of John's life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 7, 2014, at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Midway with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor John Cowan will officiate. Services are provided by Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia.

Gathering Time for Family & Friends 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. ,Friday, March 7, 2014
Emmanuel Baptist Church
93 Midway Drive Virginia, MN 55792
Celebration of Life Service 11 a.m. ,Friday, March 7, 2014
Emmanuel Baptist Church
93 Midway Drive Virginia, MN 55792