Obituary of John F Totzke

Age 74, of Edgar, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at his residence.

His funeral service will be held at 11AM on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at Saint John’s Lutheran Church (W1000 Hwy N, Edgar) with Rev. Gail Sowell officiating.  Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery.  Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday at the church from 9AM until time of services.  The honor of pallbearer belongs to Andy Natzke, Jeremy Totzke, Ben Natzke, Eric Totzke, Jeff Totzke, Tiffany Brian, Anthony Totzke and Don Pilgrim.

John Ferdinand Totzke was born to Albert and Agnes Totzke (Hartl) on August 21, 1944, in Wausau, Wisconsin. He died of natural causes at home on February 9, 2019. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church. He graduated from Edgar High School in 1963. He was a faithful and loyal member of St. John Lutheran Church of Edgar, playing on their dartball team.  John served in the United States Army from 1965 – 1967 (active duty) and in the Army Reserves from 1967 – 1971.  John was a dairy farmer all his life and lived on the family homestead near Edgar. In his younger years he was active in baseball/ fastpitch softball in the Edgar/Stratford area.

After retirement John continued to work on the farm with his brother Carl and nephew Anthony. He also worked as the dump supervisor for the Frankfort township and volunteered some of his time at Colorvision to help support his church.

John was a member of VFW Post 10187 in Edgar.  John was a life-long member of the Marathon County Holstein-Friesian Breeders Association, showing dairy cattle at local fairs and involved in registered Holstein activities throughout his farming career.

John was a talented Sheepshead player who had the uncanny ability to show up at a game with no money in his pocket and walk away at the end of the day with a pocket full of nickels.  John was also an avid cat lover who always had a family of cats to keep him company.

John’s faith in Jesus assures us that he is now enjoying his reward in heaven!

John is survived by his brothers Carl (Jean) Totzke of Edgar; Aaron Totzke of Fenwood; and sisters Jane (Jeff) Carlson, Eagen MN, Kaye (Mark) Schwalenberg of Athens, and the Rev. Kristine Totzke of Dallas.  He is further survived by nieces and nephews: Cathy (Rob) Prozanski, Jeff (Cyndee) Totzke, Jeremy (Lori) Totzke, C. Anthony (Annette) Totzke, Vicky (Bret) Finke, Eric (Jenny) Totzke, Angela (fiancé Don Pilgrim) Totzke, Tiffany (Caleb) Brian, Jessica Carlson, Andy (Lori) Natzke, Ben (Renee) Natzke, and five great-nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents Albert and Agnes (Hartl) Totzke and brother-in-law Duane Natzke.

Memorials in John’s memory will be directed to the Edgar VFW Post 10187.

John’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. Please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share your thoughts and condolences.