Gustav "Gee" Petruske, Jr.

Grand Marais

Gustav “Gee” Petruske, Jr., age 84, of Grand Marais, Michigan died suddenly on Monday, March 15, 2021 in Grand Marais.  He was born on September 24, 1936 in Hazel Park, Michigan to Gustav and Kathleen (Coburn) Petruske.  He graduated from Mt. Clemons High School in 1954.  Gee enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps in October of 1954 and served for three years as a radio telegraph operator.  He was stationed in California and North Carolina.  Gee was honorably discharged in October of 1957.  He returned to Michigan where he attended Michigan State University and played football for the Spartans.  Gee graduated with a degree in teaching and taught Bartending and Bar Management at Lansing Community College.  He also ran and managed the Coral Gables Restaurant in East Lansing.  Gee met Victoria Capogrossa while she was working at MSU.  They were married in 1991 and they moved to Grand Marais in 1996.  In Grand Marais, Gee was an integral part of the community.  He cooked at Welker’s Lodge, mowed lawns, shoveled snow, did odd jobs for the community, worked on the ambulance corps, cooked meals for the seniors and took care of anyone who needed the extra help.  Gee volunteered for many organizations and programs including Toys for Tots, poppy sales, the organization of the Memorial Day and Veterans Day programs, Alzheimer’s Association, Cystic Fibrosis, blood drives, and he tutored and read in the schools.  He enjoyed reading, being outdoors, people, and caring for the elderly.  Gee was a good man with a witty sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife – Victoria Petruske of Grand Marais; son – Gus; daughter – Katie; five grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; and a sister – Yvonne “Boots” (John) Basil.  Gee was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Norma and “Buddie.”

A memorial service will be held at a later date.  Memorials may be directed to any Veteran’s organization in Gee’s name.