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Potratz, John Charles, III

John Charles Potratz, III, age 63, passed away peacefully with his children at his bedside on Friday, July 31, 2015.

He was the third of six children born to the late John Charles Potratz, II and Geraldine Niemuth Potratz. He was born on December 13, 1951 at Berlin Memorial Hospital, and grew up on the family farm near Fremont. He attended the Wolf River and Weyauwega Grade Schools and Weyauwega High School. With his family, he worshiped, was baptized and confirmed at Hope United Church of Christ, Fremont. He was a Cub Scout in Cub Scout Pack 145 in Fremont. His father was Cub Master of the Pack and his mother was Den Mother, and along with his brother Jeff, he attended Philemont Boy Scout Camp in New Mexico in 1961. He was also a member of the Wolf River Wonder Workers 4-H Club. John served in the U.S. Marine Corps until the death of his father in August of 1972. On December 13, 1974, John married Susan M. Schneider, and they had three children, Christy, Julie and John Charles, IV. He worked at Ace Manufacturing for several years and eventually completed course work to become an insurance agent, and operated the American Family Insurance Agency in Fremont for many years. Later, he partnered a private investigative agency in the Fremont area. Like his father before him, John developed polycystic kidney disease, and eventually underwent kidney transplant surgery 12 years ago. His recovery allowed him to work part-time for many years. In early 2014 he was diagnosed with lung cancer, had a lobectomy and was recovering well from that. But in recent months, his health deteriorated.

John was preceded in death by his father, John Charles Potratz, II. He leaves to mourn his passing, his mother, Geraldine J. Potratz, Weyauwega; his ex-wife, Susan M. Potratz; his daughters, Christy (John) Peters of Waupaca, Julie (Anthony) Seashore of Menasha, and his son, John Charles Potratz, IV, of Appleton; four grandchildren, Alissa Louise, Anthony Hugo, Jeffrey Charles, and Cadence Trinity; four sisters, Peggy Hoeft of Oshkosh, Terry (Gary) Schneider of Minocqua, Connie (Dan) Watson of Hudson, and Shelley (Doug) Stockard of Weyauwega, and one brother, Jeff Potratz of Waupaca; many nieces and nephews; special friends, Julie Savage and Dennis Wright.

A private family memorial is planned at his request. John was a proud and life-time resident on Easy Street in Fremont. He was an avid auto enthusiast, mechanic, hunter, insurance agent, private investigator, and most importantly, a loving father, son and brother. A memorial has been established for John Charles Potratz, III. Since there won’t be a public service, in lieu of flowers, please send any condolences to Christy Peters, 715 Seventh Street, Waupaca, WI 54981.

John’s family would like to extend a very special Thank You to Fremont EMS, Riverside Medical Center and Appleton Medical Center for the care and compassion provided to John on his final journey.

The Lewin Funeral Home, Fremont is assisting the family with arrangements.

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