Cameron Petrek

Cameron (Cam) Andrew Petrek passed away on April 20, 2026. Born on August 11, 1970, in Jamestown, North Dakota, to Gary and Marit Petrek (Mikkelsen), Cam was raised on the family property outside of Jamestown with his older brothers, Richard and Thomas.

Cam was a 1988 graduate of Jamestown High School, where he was a successful student and active in athletics, excelling as a hockey player. He was an all-around sports fan but loved no team more than the UND Fighting Sioux. Cam went on to play hockey for Northland Community & Technical College in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, before earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Jamestown College in 1993.

As in his personal life, Cam was a jack-of-all-trades throughout his career. In addition to his work as a Registered Nurse, he served in law enforcement at the James River Correctional Center and was a member of the Specialized Operations Response Team. Most recently, he had returned to the healthcare industry and was employed at Sanford Healthcare Accessories in Fargo, North Dakota, for the past decade.

Growing up out in the country, from a young age, Cam became an avid sportsman. He learned to be a responsible, skillful hunter and enjoyed riding dirt bikes with his brothers. He also delighted in fishing with friends and family, especially on the ice. Cam loved returning to his childhood home to visit his parents, help out around their yard, and share his excitement for riding dirt bikes with others.

Cam had an inspiring appreciation for the natural world. His interests spanned birdwatching, gardening, and maintaining a meticulous lawn and landscape. In recent years, Cam’s passion for arboriculture materialized into a woodcutting hobby, and he was an expert in tree identification. Cam’s love for animals was endearing, particularly for bulldogs, which was evident in the way he cared for and spoiled his puppy, Henry, who brought him immense happiness.

Highly intelligent, both academically and practically, Cam’s ability to acquire knowledge was extraordinary. A lifelong student, he was a master of trivia and surely would have held a Guinness World Record for all-time-high Jeopardy! winnings had he ever been a contestant. He was a comedic genius, known for leaving people in stitches with one-liners that will stand the test of time. Cam had a big heart. He was thoughtful, kind, compassionate, giving, and always willing to help anyone out.

Cam dated the love of his life, Carrie Steckler, in high school. They married on July 31, 1992, and experienced countless adventures and triumphs together. They welcomed a son, Benjamin, their pride and joy, on December 8, 2006. They treasured every moment of family time together, including many summers making memories at the lake and celebrating Ben’s academic and athletic achievements.

Without a doubt, Cam would tell you that his greatest accomplishment is Ben. He championed for his son fiercely. They had a deep connection, reinforced by various shared interests, especially their love for hockey. Cam mentored and coached Ben, who also wore #4 and excelled on the ice like his dad. Ben took to tree work, learning from and helping his dad in order to spend more quality time together. Cam was a supportive and approachable father, fostering a trusting relationship, meaningful conversations, and an everlasting bond with Ben. They shared the same intellect and sense of humor, Ben matching his dad’s quick wit. They were best friends. Cam’s infinite love and boundless pride for Ben were palpable and will endure as all of his hopes and dreams for his son’s future are realized. The legacy Cam leaves behind is a successful one of pure light and love.

Cam is survived by his most cherished and loving friend, Carrie Petrek (Steckler), and admiring son, Benjamin Petrek; devoted parents, Gary and Marit Petrek (Mikkelsen); brother, Thomas Petrek; nephews, Spencer, Bradyn, and Zachary Petrek; and many cousins, extended family members, and beloved friends.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Petrek; grandparents, Frank and Martha Petrek, and Herluf and Hope (Baker) Mikkelsen; aunts, Germaine Tesch, Lois Wentz, and Jean Burleson; and uncles, Norman, Cameron, Bert, and Lynn Mikkelsen.

Funeral Service – 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 25, 2026 at St. James Basilica, Jamestown, with the Very Reverend C.F. Wilhelm. A reception will follow in the Parish Center at the church.