Raymond J. Petru, 72

Raymond John "Ray" Petru, 72, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2024, surrounded by his family at his home.

Ray was born to Edward and Josephine Petru on October 30, 1951, in Omaha. Ray enjoyed playing football and volleyball as a teenager. He worked from an early age as a chef at a restaurant close to his childhood home overlooking the Henry Doorly Zoo. In school, Ray enjoyed making people laugh and getting teachers off topic. He graduated from William Jennings Bryan High School in 1969.

Ray worked for Cizek Construction for many years, becoming a highly skilled trim carpenter. He later opened Ray Petru Construction and was known for his meticulous work ethic.

Ray’s passions were woodworking, cooking, gardening, golfing, bowling, and spending time with family. As a finishing carpenter, his craftsmanship and talents live on in hundreds of homes around Omaha for families to enjoy. Ray even designed and built his own home in 1977.

Nobody in Douglas County could flame a steak or barbeque chicken on the grill better than Ray. Family would stay home on New Year’s Eve to watch movies and enjoy his irresistible lobster. In the field behind his house, he tilled the biggest garden in the neighborhood, growing his favorite sweet corn and 150-pound pumpkins for Montclair Elementary and all on Shirley Street to enjoy.

Ray took on the shared responsibility of raising a blended family, prioritizing their needs before his own. Often a man of few words, Ray never complained of his own health issues.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John Petru.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 32 years, Melissa "Missy" Petru; his sons Scott (Debbie) Petru and Shawn (Sara) Petru; stepchildren Aaron (Emily) Luneke, Amber (Robert) Peleska-Wein, and Tony (Tracy Hendrix) Luneke; grandchildren; and four siblings, Ed Petru, Walt Petru, Linda (Jerry) Schiller, and Leonard (Lisa) Petru; nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

Our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Methodist and OnCare Home Hospice.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkinson’s Nebraska.