Kim Petrisha

Kim Petrisha, 69, lifelong resident of Burnham, IL, died Oct. 26 at home, with hospice. Kim is preceded in death by daughter Cheyanne, husband Junior Price, mother and father Shirley Blackburn Petrisha and John Petrisha. She is survived by son Austin (Aimee) Simnick, in-laws Linda Ridgeway Butt and John Price, care-giver Patrick Sullivan, an aunt, Jane Curry Blackburn, cousins Harry Blackburn, Michael Blackburn, Camille Johnson, James Leschinsky, Carmen Grigg, members of the Stalmack family, and many other cousins and friends. 

Kim chose law enforcement as her career, serving as a police officer with the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Department. She worked in various divisions including Field Operations and Special Investigations. One of her favorite assignments was as a K-9 officer with her German Shepherd Ken.

Kim’s love of animals always played a large part in her personal life. Along with caring for her own dogs, she volunteered with various non-profit, no-kill dog rescue organizations, raising money as well as fostering and rehoming. Kim also was a loyal supporter of the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, riding each year in what is described as the world’s largest motorcycle parade. She often rode in various other benefit events, and had a major interest in motorcycle safety, posting safety videos and messages on her Facebook page. 

Raised in a family with strong historical and public service ties to Burnham, Chicago, and Cook County, Kim grew up caring about her Village. She herself served as a trustee in later life. Kim’s grandfather, Art Blackburn, who officially began his public service career in 1938 as Burnham police chief, was simultaneously police chief, fire chief and Village president in the 1950s. Kim’s mother, Shirley Blackburn Petrisha, who worked for the Cook County Board of Elections, was a Burnham trustee for 20 years and served on the Burnham School Board. The Senior Center on South Manistee is named in her honor. John Petrisha, Kim’s father, also served as Village trustee, as did members of the Stalmack family. Her uncle Harry Blackburn served as a Chicago police officer for 38 ½ years, retiring as a police commander. Blackburn Park, on South Bensley, is named in memory of Kim’s uncle, Archie, who was killed fighting in the Pacific during WWII. 

In Memoriam gifts may be sent to K-9s for Veterans, 2312 Olde Mill Rd., Plainfield, Il. 60586.

Memorial Service will be held at a future date.