George H. Tetzlaff

George Herman Tetzlaff was born January 20, 1924 and died at Lasata Care Center on January 20, 2006 at the age of 82 due to complications of Parkinson’s disease, beloved husband of Evelyn Klemp Tetzlaff. He was preceded him in death by his father William C. Tetzlaff , mother Anna Bittner Tetzlaff, daughter Marjorie DeFendi, father-in-law Oscar Klemp , brothers-in-law Donald Delores Klemp and Norbert Klehr, niece Nikki Klehr Ruplinger and nephew–in-law Scott Klemp and Duane Klemp. He is survived by his wife Evelyn, mother-in-law Leona Klemp, sister Grace Klehr and her sons Norbert Jr. and Paul, sons Steven Diana and Randy Karen and daughter Jayne James Wick and son-in law Michael DeFendi, special friend Atul Patel, grandchildren Michele DeFendi, Matthew Heather DeFendi, Jason and Jeffrey Marianna Tetzlaff, Sarah Bradley Mitchell, Daniel Tetzlaff, Angela, Ryan and Jeremy Wick, Jason, Laura, Melissa and Benjamin Nemetz. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Cody, Kyla and Owen and brothers-in-law Norbert Christine Klemp and Marvin Marci Klemp and many other relatives and friends. George was born in Grafton and farmed at the homestead where he was born. He attended Lakefield grade school and was confirmed in the German language at St. John Lutheran Church, Lakefield. He graduated from Grafton High School and earned a three year short course degree in Agriculture from the University of Wisconsin. On November 1, 1947 he married Evelyn Klemp of Fredonia. He served on St. John’s church council for seven years and was active on the Lutheran Brotherhood dart board league, and church fellowship. Besides farming with his dad, he took night courses in the machining trade and then worked at various machinists jobs. His last fifteen years in the trade were at EST Co. of Grafton when he retired. Among his hobbies were Square Dancing with the Square Bender’s square dance Club and researching his family’s genealogy. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1987. In 1997 he suffered a heart attack and congestive heart failure. He enjoyed taking trips with his wife. He was able to go to Germany to meet and visit with relatives. He also traveled to China, Alaska, the Caribbean and the Panama Canal. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 28 at St. John Lutheran Church at the corner of Lakefield and Hwy W in Grafton. Visitation will be from 12 noon until 2 P.M. A service will be held at 2 P.M. Memorials to the family will be appreciated. Special thanks to the caring staff of Lasata Care Center. Cemetery: Lakefield Cemetery Grafton, WI (map/driving directions) Visitation: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at St. John Lutheran Church 1193 Lakefield Rd. Grafton, WI on January 28, 2006 (map/driving directions) St. John Lutheran Church 1193 Lakefield Rd. Grafton, WI (map/driving directions) Service: 2:00 PM at St. John Lutheran Church 1193 Lakefield Rd. Grafton, WI on January 28, 2006 (map/driving directions)