John Petroff

John Petroff, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2021, at the age of 94, and has now been reunited with his precious wife Patricia “Pat” (nee Hallisy) Petroff. Lovingly survived and will be missed by his children: Cindy (the Late Peter) Dittman, Holly, John, Patty (Tom) Konieczka, Penny (Steve) Baker, Katie (Steve) Weisen, and Julie (Bill) Lawrence. Grandfather of 18, Great-Grandfather of 11, with 2 on the way. Survivors also include his beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. Preceded in death by his mother Staso (nee Kochoff) Petroff, father Sam Petroff, sisters Marie (Harold) Felkner and Ruth (Jim) Torrence, brother Sam (Wanita) Petroff, and many other dear relatives and friends.

John was born in Milwaukee, WI on December 20, 1926, to Bulgarian parents who had immigrated to the United States. He attended Juneau High School where he excelled in track and field, and gymnastics. He set the pole vault record in 1944.

After serving in the Army during WW2, he returned to Milwaukee and started working at his best friend Paul Gilles’ custard stand. He was a cook
and the first male carhop, humorously noting that Paul sent him out to the parking lot because “the pretty girls (carhops) were spending too much time talking to the customers.” One of those “pretty girls” turned out to be the love of his life, Patricia.

He ventured into his own custard business with his father Sam, building John Petroff Frozen Custard in 1952. In 1964, his love for the game of bowling, led him to design and build Petroff’s Bowling Center, the Crossbow Lounge, and a restaurant on the former site of the custard stand. He added Petroff’s West in Wauwatosa in 1976 and Petroff’s Falls in Menomonee Falls in 1978. John was the largest sole bowling proprietor in Wisconsin with his three centers. In 1998, John’s grit, determination, and hard work ethic led him to his final frame of his 34-year tenure as bowling proprietor, restaurant, and bar owner.

John was fiercely loyal to his business and will be missed by the many patrons of his establishments. He was an avid golfer and long-time member of North Hills Country Club in Menomonee Falls. He enjoyed many years living part-time in Jupiter and Hobe Sound, Florida.

Special thanks to Jill Geidel and the amazing caregivers at Vista Pointe Assisted Living Center in Menomonee Falls, for their unparalleled care and compassion to our Dad in the last 4 years of his life. Horizon Hospice provided our dad with loving care and comfort in his last days.

Memorial Gathering at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin, on Sunday, July 11, from 3:00 PM – 5:45 PM. Service at 6:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to
your favorite charity in honor of John.