William Petrek

NORTHFIELD, Minn. -- William Joseph "Bill" Petrek, 83, died peacefully Saturday, May 7, 2011, at his home in Northfield, in the company of family and friends.

William was born Feb. 26, 1928, in Arcadia, Wis. He received a bachelor's degree from St. John's University in Collegeville, Minn., a master's degree in theology from The North American College in Rome, and a doctorate in philosophy from the Universite Catholique de Louvain in Belgium.

He and Sandra Lucille Nash were married Nov. 26, 1961, in Chicago.

Following a successful career in higher education, Bill retired as president of the American International University in London and is honored as president emeritus.

Bill enjoyed reading, writing, hiking, tennis and travel. He was especially happy in southern France spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Sandra; children, Michele (Charles) Giampaolo and Soren (Renee) Petrek; grandsons, Max and Riley Petrek; and a brother, James Petrek.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roman and Agnes Petrek; sister, Alice Wachtler; and granddaughter, Rachel Michele Petrek.

He will be missed by his family, colleagues and students. His passions were justice and international education.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour, 515 N.W. Second Ave., Faribault, Minn.

Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Long Prairie, Minn.

Memorials are preferred to Amnesty International (www.amnesty.org) and Habitat for Humanity (www.habitat.org).

Funeral arrangements by Bierman Funeral Home of Northfield.