MISSION - Jerry Petit, 73, died Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012, at his Mission residence.

He was born to Robert and Lyllian Petit on July 20, 1938 in Merrill, IA. Formerly of St. Paul, MN, Jerry was a 1957 graduate of Central High School, Sioux City, IA. He served his country, retiring from the U. S. Naval Reserve at the rank of Master Chief. He joined the Minneapolis Police Department where he served 38 years, primarily in the Juvenile Division.

He was a member of the Minneapolis Fire & Police American Legion, also serving on their board of directors; on the board of directors for the Minneapolis Age & Opportunity Center; past president of Winter Green Estates Retirement Park in Mission; member of NERA, Minneapolis, MN and AMVETS Post #28 of Clinton, IA.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Ann Hostelka Petit; daughters, Annette Meier and Darlene Petit, all of Minneapolis, MN; step-children, Rebecca Haider, St. Paul, MN, Denise Druse of Casper, WY, and Scott Johnson of Linn, MO; sister, Dyanne McDonald, Okoboji, IA; brothers, Ken Petit of Wakefield, NE and Lanny Petit of Inland, NE; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Interment will be held Friday, Jan. 6 at 11 a.m. at Texas State Veteran's Cemetery, 2520 Inspiration Rd, Mission. A memorial service will be held later in Minnesota.