Jeffrey Joe Petska, 57, of Collinsville, Texas formerly of Ord, Nebraska, entered into his eternal home on Sunday, March 5, 2023.
Jeff was born on July 30, 1965 in Ord, Nebraska to Ken and Dorrita (Zulkoski) Petska. He graduated from Ord High School in 1983 and the University of Nebraska in Kearney in 1988. He married Lisa Reiter on May 18, 1991 in Ord. Jeff grew up in Nebraska and got involved in the horse business as a college student. He was a phenomenal NRHA and AQHA judge, he has been an NRHA board member and chaired the organization’s NRHA Professionals. Jeff Petska is a name everyone should know in the Reining Horse industry. He has served as chef d’equipe for the U.S. Reining Team since the inaugural year for reining at the FEI World Equestrian Games. He has been involved with US Equestrian since 2002, serving as chef d’equipe for the gold medal winning teams at the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018. He was a five-time gold medal chef. He was an accomplished real estate agent for Texas Ranch Sales, winning the Rookie of the Year for 2021. Rest in peace cowboy, we know you are already riding the great ones up there in heaven.
He is survived by his wife, Lisa Petska of Collinsville; daughter, Chelsea Petska Brelia and husband Eric, of McKinney; son, Tanner Petska of Gainesville; parents, Dorrita and Kent Helm of Ord; Ken Petska and significant other, Evelyn Detlefson of Ord; brothers, Greg, Brian and Bruce Petska, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends.
Jeff was preceded in death by his grandmother, Matilda Zulkoski, and his in-laws, Don and Shirley Reiter.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Meador Funeral Home of Whitesboro.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I went to high school with Jeff. If I remember right I belidvevhe was into horses back in high school. So cool. He’s the Original cowboy of our Class.
RIP Jeff enjoy riding all them famous horses we can only dream of.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for comfort and strength in the days ahead.
Lisa, we’re praying you find comfort knowing how great a couple you and Jeff made. I was honored to think of you as friends. May God make his face to shine upon you and your family.