1943 2019
Obituary for
Kenneth Totzke
TOTZKE, Kenneth:
It is with a great sense of loss that we announce the passing of Ken Totzke on August 11, 2019 at the age of 76. Ken fought a long, courageous battle with (CBD) Parkinson’s Disease. His home for almost 4 years was The Village at University Gates where he was loved and cared for by the most amazing group of nurses, PSW’s and all staff members. Special thanks to everyone at UG for treating Ken like family.
First love, best friend and wonderful husband of almost 55 years to Nancy Totzke (nee Sauder) who was by his side daily during the past 4 years. Proud and caring father of Scott Totzke and his wife Charlene (nee Fehrenbach) of Waterloo; and Steve Totzke and his wife JoAnn (nee Webb) of Manhattan Beach, California. Loving Grandpa T of Dylan (Emily) and Josh (Kitchener-Waterloo); and loving Gramps to Hannah and Owen (California). Brother of Marie Duval of Calgary, brother-in-law of Brian Sauder (Toni), Emilie Totzke (late Doug) and Annette Totzke (late Richard). Uncle to many nieces and nephews who loved to be around Uncle Ken (the “King”). Predeceased by his parents Irvin (Joe) and Mary Totzke of Kitchener, his brothers Doug, Richard and Fred (late June McCulley).
Ken’s work was in the convenience store business where he enjoyed the daily interaction with his staff and loyal customers; it served as a platform for his gregarious personality, his natural storytelling ability, wonderful sense of humour and infectious laughter drew people to Ken from the start.
Aside from his family, Ken’s passions were golf, friendships and winter travel and he enjoyed all to the fullest. His regular foursomes at Beaverdale and Dundee Golf clubs were staples for decades. Winter vacations with Nancy and friends were spent on the fairways and in the ocean snorkeling largely in the Caribbean, Mexico or Hawaii.
Ken’s dream of retiring to Costa Rica came true when he and Nancy purchased a home there. Ken’s personality and passions came together again to enjoy the local links, dinner parties and Wednesday night poker games at Los Jardines. Above all, Ken’s most precious memories stem from watching his sons grow into the men they are today.
A celebration of Ken’s Life will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener (519-749-8467). Private cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. followed by a celebration in the chapel at 1:30 p.m. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Parkinson Canada – CBD Research would be appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home).
Visit www.henrywalserfuneralhome.com to view Ken’s memorial.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Kenneth Totzke 1943 2019..
Death notice for the town of: Kitchener, Province: Ontario