Ladislav Julius (Laddie) Petru's Obituary
Ladislav Julius Petru, 84, of Manvel Texas, “Laddie” to friends and family, was born March 7,
1938 in Raymondville, Texas. Laddie was called to his Lord and Savior on the morning of
March 17, 2022.
As a loyal parishioner of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Iowa Colony for over 45
years, he spent many years as a leader/volunteer for the annual Bazaar. Spending countless
hours barbecuing, being the self proclaimed pitmaster in his later years to help ensure the
success of many church events. He often volunteered his barbecuing prowess to cater multiple
weddings and family reunions. For many years after spending multiple hours of the day and
night cooking for the Bazaar, Laddie would switch hats and Auctioneer the bazaar often selling
more than 500 items to raise money for Sacred Heart. He volunteered his auctioneering talents
on multiple occasions to benefit many other charities and fundraisers around the state. As a
lifelong member and past President of The Knights of Columbus Manvel Chapter, Laddie spent
much of his time volunteering for the many of the various outreach programs within the
organization.
Before his retirement from the Veterans Administration Real Estate Department, Laddie made
his mark as a residential and commercial builder. Prior to that, he and his brothers and sister
owned and operated a successful feed and tack store, “Capsons”, where he made many lifelong
friends. His true passion was taking care of his many cows, occasional donkeys and time in the
seat of his many tractors. In his spare time, he loved hunting on various leases around the state,
finally purchasing his own place in 2004. The June Ranch, named for his wife, was a place he
spent many hours around the campfire with family and friends and a few beverages.
He was preceded in death by his wife, June Barnhill Petru, his parents Charles Sr. and Haddie
Mokry Petru, and his brother Clem Petru.
He is survived by his son Ron Petru and wife Christy, Dee Dee Schmeisser and husband
Michael; Grandchildren, Joshua Petru, Max Petru and wife Samantha, Lea Schmeisser, Colby
Schmeisser, Nathan Petru, Jaxon Schmeisser, Emma Petru and Elizabeth Petru.
Great-Grandchildren, Zoey, Clayton, Weston, Austin, Ethan, Maverick and Penelope Petru.
He is also survived by his siblings and their spouses, Ben and Lois Petru; Charles, Jr. and Vera
Petru; Dorothy Perry; Edward and Dorothy Petru; Larry and Brenda Petru; sister-in-law, Wilma
Satterfield & brother-in-law, Hugh Barnhill. He has so many loving cousins, nieces and
nephews, dear friends and a few “Partners in Crime”
In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to the Liberty Hill Livestock Association or Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Manvel TX
What’s your fondest memory of Ladislav?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ladislav?
Share a story where Ladislav's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ladislav you’ll never forget.
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