John Henry Gatzlaff

John Henry Gatzlaff, age 89, of Altura, died Friday, February 9, 2007 at Beverly Living Center in Rochester. John was born on April 24, 1917 to Henry and Delia (Kobler) Gatzlaff in Altura. He served in the Army during WWII. John and Betty Stanz were married on March 17, 1945 and they lived in Altura for over 60 years. Following the war John and his brother Kermit reopened the Altura Hardware store and they operated it together until John retired in 1986. John's career was a very important part of his life. He was very active in community service in Altura: Volunteer firefighter & EMT, Mayor and City Council, Lions Club, Board member at Altura State Bank, and the Altura Economic Development Council. He was a lifelong member of Jehovah Evangelical Lutheran Church in which he was a leader in many capacities. John will be remembered as a very social person who loved people. He is survived by his wife Betty; five children, Renee (Jim) Christie of Altura, LuAnn (Gerald) Lancette of Hudson, WI, Jay (Diane) Gatzlaff of Rochester, Laurie Adams of Bend, OR, and Brad (Mary Madison) Gatzlaff of Nerstrand, 9 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and a sister Leona Hanson of St. Charles. He was preceded in death by his brother Kermit and his parents. Funeral Services will be 11AM Tuesday at Jehovah Evangelical Lutheran Church in Altura with the Reverends David A. Fischer and Michael Lindemann officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4pm - 8pm Monday at Jehovah Ev. Lutheran Church in Altura and an hour prior to the 11am service on Tuesday. Hoff Funeral Home's - St. Charles Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share a memory of John on his on-line guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com . All memorials may be directed to Alzheimer's Research.