Jessie Ann Petska, 78, of Mansfield, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving morning, November 28, 2024, at OSU Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, after a year of medical challenges and a lifetime of resilience.

Born on May 1, 1946, in Mansfield, Jessie was the cherished daughter of Harry and Hazel (Wagaman) Frietchen who preceded her into heaven. A proud graduate of Mansfield/Malabar class of 1964, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Purdue University. Jessie dedicated her career to shaping young minds, inspiring countless 2nd grade students at Ontario and Crestview Schools, retiring in 2005.

Jessie Petska, who married the love of her life, Dave, on August 22, 1970, enjoyed 54 years of devotion and partnership. Together, they raised their children, Lisa and Tim, in Mansfield, where Jessie was an active member of St. John’s United Church of Christ (the church where she was baptized and married), serving on the church council and as an elder. Jessie was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who treasured her family and close-knit group of 10+ couples. She loved spending a month each year in Florida and was a huge OSU Buckeyes fan and Mansfield Tygers football and basketball supporter. She was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi service sorority in Richland County since 1969. Known for her excellent cooking, vibrant personality, and kind spirit, Jessie will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Jessie is survived by her devoted husband, David Petska of Mansfield; her loving children, Lisa & Brett Proffitt and Tim & Bethany Petska all of Columbus; grandchildren Nathan Proffitt, Emily Proffitt, Lauren Petska, and Noah Petska: her brother Harry M. & Charlene Frietchen of Ontario; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and other family.

Friends and family are invited to honor Jessie’s life during calling hours at Snyder Funeral Homes, Marion Avenue Chapel, 350 Marion Ave., Mansfield, Ohio, on Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A funeral service celebrating her life will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. John's United Church of Christ, 68 Park Avenue East, Mansfield, Ohio 44902, with Rev. Dr. Faith Proietti presiding. Jessie will be laid to rest at Mansfield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Salvation Army, 47 S Main St, Mansfield, OH 44902 or St. John's United Church of Christ, 68 Park Avenue East, Mansfield, Ohio 44902.

Snyder Funeral Homes, Marion Avenue Chapel, is honored to serve the Petska family and encourages friends to share memories and messages of support at SnyderFuneralHomes.com