He graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1935 and, two years later, began farming in the area.
Petrick married Joanne Lnenicka, a Cedar Rapids native, on June 24, 1943, in Bertram.
[1][2] Petrick was a member of several local organizations and deliberative bodies, including the Mount Vernon school board and parent teacher association, the Linn County zoning board, and the Linn Township Farm Bureau.
Petrick was credited with raising funds and organizing the Lisbon–Mount Vernon Ambulance Service, and was a trustee of the local Presbyterian church.
Petrick planned to run for reelection from the 43rd district, but died in office on June 26, 1982, at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids.