John B. Pettegrew
April 19, 1930 ~ June 13, 2021
John B. Pettegrew, 91 of Palo Alto, California passed away Sunday, June 13th at Stanford Hospital.
He was born April 19, 1930 on the family farm in Milo, Illinois, the son of James Elting Pettegrew and Elsie Lucille Bowyer.
John married Bonny Jean Reinbeck in 1950. She preceded him in death after 20 years of marriage and two children.
John then married Hela Bursztyn in the early 70’s and they were together until her death in 2005.
He is survived by 2 siblings: Jay Pettegrew and Jerry Pettegrew, his daughter Laura Blechen (California), 2 grandchildren; Chris Tomera (California) and Yvonne Davis (California). He also had 3 great- grandchildren; Molly Davis, Samuel Davis and Lucy Davis all in California also.
John’s son Joseph Lynn Pettegrew (Nevada) preceded him in death.
John attended the University of Illinois where he was a member of the Varsity track team and won his numerals and letter sweater. He received his degree in Electrical Engineering in 1953. In 1958 he moved his family to Palo Alto, California due to an offer of employment. John worked as an Engineer until he retired.
He was a lieutenant in the Army ROTC and a member of the Synton Radio Club.
He enjoyed traveling to England with Hela, spending time with his grandchildren and walking everyday in the park, located behind his home in Palo Alto. He had a passion for cars and took great pride in his 1965 Jaguar E-Type. He was an artist and painted for many years.
A funeral service will be held at Boyd’s Grove Methodist Church near Bradford on June 24, 2021 at 1pm. Burial to follow at Mound Cemetery. He will be laid to rest next to his parents. Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be sent to www.grant-johnsonfh.com.
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I remember when he & Bonnie were dating. I was intrigued as a little girl. I will be 85 in Aug. I started accordian lessens at age 6. At age l2 Bonnie taught me 5 lessons on the piano so I could learn the left hand. She had me playing at the First Baptist Church in Bradford. I think of him & Bonnie & those days often. I remember her as so very pretty.
John and his wife Carolyn lived next door to me and I enjoyed seeing them walking hand in hand nearly every day.
Resting peace John
Our sincere condolences to John’s wife Carolyn and his family.