Kenneth Netzke

Kenneth Carl Netzke was born on January 16, 1937 at the Tracy Hospital, the son of Alfred and Marcella (Anton) Netzke. He attended country school in Waterbury Township until the 3rd grade then attended Lamberton Public School where he graduated from in 1954. After graduation Ken farmed and in 1957 entered the U.S. Navy. He was stationed in California and Hawaii as an aviation welder. After returning home, he married Joann Preuss on June 4, 1960 at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Waterbury Township. Ken was the third generation to operate the family farm until he semi-retired in 1993. He then drove truck for Viessman Trucking until September of 2005 retiring due to health concerns. He was a former member of the Waterbury Bowling Team, Wanda Legion, participated in 4-H as a child and as an adult leader and was a member of the Waterbury Township Board. Ken was a life long member of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church were he served on the church council. He enjoyed farming, helping his sons on the farm after retirement, fishing, telling stories of the past, polka music, German food and German traditions, and loved to visit with family, friends and especially his grandchildren. Along his travels, Ken enjoyed many stops to visit family and friends. Ken died on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 at his home, after a battle with lung cancer, at the age of 69 years. He is survived by his wife - Joann Netzke of Lamberton; children - Kurt and wife Kerry Netzke of Lamberton and their children - Haley Noah; Connie and husband Brian Engen of Lamberton and their children - Cory, Casey, Carter; Glen and wife Caroline Netzke of Lamberton and their children - Paige, Christian, Thomas; and Sandy and husband Brian Korbel of Fargo, ND and their children - Mackenzie Jackson; a sister - Marlys and husband Harold A. Wendt of Springfield. He is preceded in death by his parents.