Sigrid Brunhilde Petriella, 90, went to be with Jesus on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
“Siggi” was born on January 14, 1936, to Else and Wilhelm Kohl in Mühlhausen, Germany. Growing up in wartime Germany as the eldest of five siblings, she was a brave, adventurous, and caring woman.
An avid swimmer, walker, and traveler, Siggi shared stories of backpacking in Austria with friends before making the decision to travel solo at age 18 to America, entering through Ellis Island in 1958 to join her beloved Oma here in the States. Just a few years later she would marry Frank “Joe” Petriella in Elkhart, Indiana, before settling in Flushing, Michigan. Siggi was a loyal friend and made timeless friendships during her seasons of life in Michigan and South Carolina.
She joins her beloved husband Joe one day before their 66th wedding anniversary and is preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, and son-in-law Buddy. She is survived by her brother Fredi (Elfrieda), daughter Debbie, sons Tony (Melissa) and Joe, 8 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.
She leaves behind a legacy of love for gardening, a good rainstorm, reading, history, birds, and nature to all that were near and dear to her. Her smiley face envelopes given on birthdays, sweet German accent, neck massages, and stylish wardrobe will be missed.
When she endured suffering or loss, including her husband’s battle with Type 1 Diabetes, she found peace in hymns, poetry, and scripture. She had been steadily declining since last summer, and her family now rests in the hope that she is whole, pain-free, and full of joy in the presence of her Savior.
These words from one of her favorite hymns were an encouragement to her throughout her days:
Why should I feel discouraged
Why should the shadows come
Why should my heart feel lonely
And long for heaven and home
When Jesus is my portion
A constant friend is He
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches over me
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the American Diabetes Association.