John Watzke

Dr. John "Jack" W. Watzke, age 82, of Willmar formerly of Morris, died Wednesday afternoon, April 16th, at the Infinia Health Care Center in Willmar.

Memorial services will be held 1:30 P.M., Tuesday, April 22nd, at the First Presbyterian Church (605 SW Litchfield Ave.) in Willmar with Rev. Richard Underdahl-Peirce officiating. The interment was held at the Summit Cemetery in Morris. Friends may call one hour prior to the services at the church. Arrangements are with the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Willmar. (320-235-1651)

John "Jack" Walter Watzke was born on November 30, 1925, in Morris, Minnesota, the son of Henry and Ruth (Robb) Watzke. He grew up in Morris and received his education there, graduating from Morris High School in 1943. Jack continued his education at the University of Minnesota until called into military service in December of 1943. He served as a navigator in the Army Air Corps. Upon his discharge he entered Illinois School of Optometry, graduating in 1949. While in Chicago, he married Dorothy Martin on July 19, 1947. After graduation they returned to Morris where he practised optometry with his father. Jack practiced in Morris, Ortonville and Willmar for more than fifty years.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy of Willmar; four sons, Mark (and Chris) Watzke of Minneapolis, Paul (and Patty) Watzke of Morris, Matthew (and Margaret) Watzke of Cold Spring, and Thomas (and Jennifer) Watzke of Fremont, Nebraska; two daughters, Elizabeth (and Phil) Janson of Ridgewood, New Jersey, and Margaret (and Terence) Breedijk of Dallas, Texas. Also surviving are fourteen grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and two brothers, Robert (and Barbara) Watzke of Escondido, California, and William (and Jane) Watzke of Scottsdale, Arizona, besides other relatives and friends. Jack was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son, John.