Harold Kottke

The legacy that Harold Kottke will always be remembered is for the love and care he had for his family. His children and grandchildren meant everything to him. He and his wife Merceda never missed any of their activities and were the grandkids biggest fans at all their ballgames. His kindness extended to his friends and neighbors too. Harold would drop everything and do whatever he could to help those in need.

Harold was born November 8, 1930 in the town of Hamburg to the late Gustave and Thersa (Plautz) Kottke. He grew up on the family dairy farm and later worked for Mullins Cheese hauling milk. On February 2, 1952 Harold married Merceda Thiede in the parsonage of Our Savior's Ev. Lutheran Church, Wausau. They raised three children, with Harold working at Curtis Company and later as a machinist for Hammerblow Tool retiring in 1996.

In his younger years, Harold was quite an athlete. He excelled in hitting and as a pitcher for several fast pitch softball teams. He started the dartball team at Our Savior's Ev. Lutheran Church. Harold enjoyed deer hunting, trout fishing and camping with his family on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage. He was a devout member of Our Savior's Ev. Lutheran Church serving as an elder and church council member. Harold also served on the Building and Ground committee helping in the construction of the grade school.

At the age of 86, Harold passed away at his home on Thursday, February 2, 2017.

Survivors include his son, Darrell (Geri Kay) Kottke of Marathon City, two daughters, Nan Kottke of Wausau, Wanda (Mike) Kramer of Wausau, six grandchildren, Aaron Kottke, Jamie (Ben) Rasmussen, James (Kim) Kramer, Anna, Jared and Adam Kramer, five great grandchildren, Abigail, Alayna and Aiden Rasmussen, Jackson and Carter Kramer, two sisters, Arlene Helke of Wausau, Mildred Krenz of Barron, four sisters-in-law, Elzora Kottke of Woodstock, Ill., Delores Kottke of Wausau, Caroline Kottke of the town of Halsey, Merriel (Alfred) Niles of Shawano and brother-in-law, Jack Thiede of Yuma, AZ. Harold was preceded in death by his wife Merceda, five brothers and five sisters.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at Our Savior's Ev. Lutheran Church, 703 Flieth St., Wausau. Reverend Walter Davidson will officiate. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the church and again on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.