James W. Petran

James W. Petran, 96, of Aberdeen, passed away Wednesday, July 30, 2014, at ManorCare Health Services in Aberdeen.

James' wishes were to be cremated with no formal services taking place. Interment will take place at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Aberdeen.

Schriver's Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Friends may sign his online guestbook at schriversmemorial.com.

James W. Petran was born on August 22, 1917, in Aberdeen, SD, to John Herman and Angeline (Ortner) Petran. This is the area where he was raised and attended school, graduating from Aberdeen Central High School with the Class of 1935. James furthered his education at Northern State College in Aberdeen and received his degree in 1937.

James enlisted in the United States Army and served his country from February of 1942 until January of 1946, during which time he was stationed in New Guinea, Luzon and Japan.

Following his honorable discharge, James returned to Aberdeen, where he began a 38-year long career with the United States Postal Service.

James was united in marriage to Dorothy Barbara Mueller on September 30, 1961, in Minneapolis, MN. The couple made their home in Aberdeen and shared nearly 45 years of marriage before she passed away on June 9, 2006. James continued to reside in Aberdeen until the time of his death.

James was a member of N.A.R.F.E, the Elks Lodge, and the Sideny L. Smith American Legion Post #24 of Aberdeen.

He is survived by several nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Lawrence Petran; and one sister, Alice Reeck.