Judy L. Petrik

Judith “Judy” L. Petrik, of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the age of 80, surrounded by her family. A woman whose life was defined by compassion, creativity, courage, and enduring love, Judy touched countless lives through her work, her talents, and her unwavering devotion to family. A funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Graceland Park Cemetery.

Judy was born on June 13, 1945 in Sioux City, Iowa to George and Chloris (Davis) Grubel. She graduated from East High in 1964, where she was very active in music/ choir and many other school related activities. Later in life she received her degree in nursing from Western Iowa Tech and then Judy dedicated her life to caring for others. She served for many years as a night-shift nurse at Marion Health Center in Sioux City. Working nights required steadiness, gentleness, and resilience — qualities Judy possessed in abundance. Patients found comfort in her calm presence, and colleagues relied on her kindness, humor, and steady hand during even the most difficult shifts.

In 1985, Judy married Ralph Petrik, the love of her life. Their story began at the Sioux City Community Theatre, a place where both of their hearts felt at home. They shared a love for music, performance, and the vibrant community surrounding the arts. They were in many plays/ musicals together throughout the years including their favorite “Fiddler on the Roof”, which she played Golde and Ralph was Tevye her husband in the show. Their marriage was built on laughter, creativity, and deep affection.

Judy was a devoted mother to Craig, Jill, and Scott, whom she raised with patience, love, and quiet strength. She faced life’s hardest challenges with grace, especially during the years she lovingly helped care for her daughter Jill.

Family meant everything to Judy, and she found immense joy in her role as grandmother to her nine grandchildren: Mitch, Garrett, Justine, Leah, Jessica, Collin, Cara, Caiden, and Cameron. She celebrated each of them, encouraged their dreams, and wrapped them in unconditional love. To them, she was a gentle, joyful, steady presence — a grandmother whose beautiful smile and laughter could light up a room.

Judy lived a life full of simple joys and heartfelt passions. She adored ice cream, never passing up the chance for a sweet treat. She treasured family vacations at Blanche Lake Minnesota, where she found peace, happiness and laughter in the daily gatherings of relatives in and out of the lake, especially chicken noodle soup day. Judy absolutely loved getting together with the Petrik cousins, which they would do monthly at different locations. Ralph and Judy also looked forward every year going up to Czech Days in Tabor South Dakota, where she never passed up the chance to bring home a bunch of kolaches.

She also had a deep love for animals. Over the years, Judy cared for many pets — cats, dogs, and even birds — each one receiving the same gentle affection she gave to people. Her backyard was a sanctuary for wildlife, especially the squirrels she fed every day. Friends and neighbors often joked that she had the fattest squirrels in Sioux City, a badge of honor Judy wore with pride.

Her creative spirit found a home at the Sioux City Community Theatre, where she volunteered, performed, and formed lifelong friendships. Judy loved to sing — and she was very good at it. Her voice was warm, expressive, and full of heart, leaving an impression on everyone who heard it.

Judy was also an exceptional baker, cherished for her famous tea ring, a treasured family secret tradition that brought comfort and celebration to countless holidays and gatherings. Her kitchen was a place of warmth, delicious smells, and love shared freely.

Judy is preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Ralph Petrik; her daughter, Jill Greig; her brother, Henry and his wife Maxine Grubel; sister, Joanne and her husband Edward Rowe; and her brothers-in-law, Virgil and Edward Petrik .

She is survived by her sons, Craig (Michele) and Scott (Vivian); son-in-law, Jeff; grandchildren, Mitch (Ashley), Garrett (Madison), Justine, Leah, Jessica, Collin, Cara, Caiden, and Cameron; great grandson, Charlie; also many extended family members, friends, and members of the community who were touched by her kindness, creativity, bright smile, and loving spirit.