John Tetzlaff

John W. Tetzlaff, 95, of Weston passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at Renaissance Assisted Living in Weston.
He was born on May 2, 1919 in Wausau and was the son of the late Carl and Molly ( Bessert) Tetzlaff. He was married to Elvera Radke on September 27, 1941. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, his son, Jerry Lee Tetzlaff, his parents, his brother Carl, and his sister Joan. Survivors, include one son John Robert (Mary) Tetzlaff of St Charles, Illinois, daughter-in-law Barbara Tetzlaff of Marshfield, and two daughters Patricia Anne (Robert) Young of Naperville, Illinois and Carol Jean (Erik) Sall of Chesterfield, Missouri. He is also survived by his sister, Helen Krause of Jefferson, Wisconsin and nine grandchildren Justin, Jana , Jason, and Marla Tetzlaff, Kelly Gwizdala, Emily Young, Molly Johnson, Alex Sall, and Amanda Childers. John also has five great grandchildren, Cooper and Luke Tetzlaff , Zack and Zoe Johnson, and James Gwizdala.
John was associated for many years with the Stueber Dairy Company of Wausau and later became a Realtor with the Century 21 Tri-City Real Estate Firm.
John received an Honorable discharge from the United States Army for his service in World War II. He obtained the rank of Master Sergeant serving the 65th Field Hospital in Belgium, France and in Germany. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, The Victory Metal, American Theater Ribbon, European and African Middle Eastern Theater Metal with three Bronze Battle Stars. He joined the American Legion after returning home at the end of the war.
John was active in many community and church programs. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America having served as Chairman of the Rib Mountain District and on the Board of the Samoset Council. He received the Silver Beaver Award which is the highest award given to an adult volunteer. He was also on the Wausau Little League Board for over 40 years serving as its treasurer.
John joined the Wausau Evening Lion's Club in 1956 and has served as its President, and on many local, district and state committees. He was elected as the District Governor for the State of Wisconsin for Lion's International in 1972. He received numerous awards for his work in the Lion's program and was honored by becoming a member of the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship Award.
John also served as a past President of the City Wide PTA Council of Wausau Public and Parochial Schools, Chairman of the Credit Bureau, and Rural Relations Committee of the Wausau Chamber of Commerce. He was an active member of St Stephen's Lutheran Church of Wausau for 95 years. He served the church in many different capacities. He was a former Sunday school teacher, served as the School Superintendent, served as the first Boy Scout Scoutmaster in the church, was an usher in the church and was a former Treasurer of the church. He also was a member of the Jolly Friends group. In addition, John served on the Board of Directors for AARP and was past President of the Lutheran Brotherhood Branch #8122.
John loved to travel, and to visit with his children, grandchildren, neighbors and friends. He also enjoyed gardening, tending to his beautiful flowers and playing Bridge. He resided at The Renaissance in Weston, Wisconsin, where he made numerous good friends. His optimism and dedication to his community and family will be greatly missed.
Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 512 McClellan St, Wausau with Rev. Mark Lewis officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in honor and loving memory of John to St. Stephens Lutheran church of Wausau or to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services of Wausau.
You may sign our online guest book at www.helke.com.