John W. Watzke

John W. Watzke of Altoona, Florida passed away on July 6, 2024, at the age of 89. Born in Detroit, Michigan to the late Walter & Helen Watzke, he attended St. Matthews High School in Detroit, MI and graduated from St. Joseph’s College in Philadelphia, PA. He joined the US Marine Corps in 1958 and married his wife, Janet in 1961. John and Janet raised their family in Sterling Heights, MI for 31 years while working as a Specialized Tool Steel Sales Representative. They retired to Leesburg, FL in 2001. John enjoyed playing golf, watching both college football and the NFL/Detroit Lions. He would relax spending time with friends in the community pool and challenging his friends as a talented billiard player. During his retirement he truly enjoyed working as a Security Guard at the Plantation Retirement Community in Leesburg, FL. John is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Janet. He was a beloved father to Richard (Nidia Vazquez) Watzke, Ronald Watzke, Robert (Marcy) Watzke, Kelly (Dennis) Lewis. He was the cherished grandfather of Kyle (Heather) Lewis, Tyler (Aimee) Watzke, Todd Watzke, Kate (Roger) Narlock, and Kristi (Stephen) Lupo and great grandfather of Kallum, Saige and Hudson. John was also preceded in death by his half-brother John U. Watzke. A celebration of John’s life will be held at the Lakeview Terrace Auditorium at the Clubhouse, Altoona on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org). Online Guestbook available at www.hardenpauli.com Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis, Florida.