Edward “Ed” S. Petras, 74, of Holmen, WI, passed away peacefully by his family and friends on Saturday, October 6, 2012 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. He was born on June 11, 1938 to John and Sophie (Ermalowisz) Petras. Ed married Marilyn Ruhnke on February 4, 1961 in Chicago.

Ed served in the US Marine Corp from 1956 to 1958 . He was a loving and devoted husband of 51 years. Ed enjoyed hunting, fishing, trap shooting, bowling, golfing and gambling. Eddie made everyone laugh with his wonderful sense of humor. His love of life was shared by all.

Ed is survived by his wife; brother, John (Donna) Petras; sister-in-law, Shirley Slonke; brother-in-law, Earle (Marie) Ruhnke; many nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and his 2 cats, Pewter and Ebony.

He is preceded in death by his 2 sons, Douglas and Kenneth; his parents; his father and mother-in-law, Edward and Charlotte Ruhnke; and his brother-in-law, Art Slonke

The family would like to thank the Oncology and Hematology units at Gundersen Lutheran, a special thank you to Dr. Craig Cole and all of his staff, and also to Gundersen Lutheran’s 4 Center and all of the wonderful nurses.

A funeral service will be held at 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012 at First Lutheran Church, 410 Main St., Onalaska, WI. The Rev. Jason Stanton will officiate with military honors following the service at the church. A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday at the church before the service. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation Oncology-Hematology.