Edward Charles Potrafke, 67 of Central Lake passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility after a lengthy illness. He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. He was a leap year baby, born February 29, 1952 to Richard and Blanch Potrafke of Alden.
On February 12, 1982 he married Dotty (Red) Moore. Ed and his wife Dotty had a passion for coon dogs and hunting, and could be found many a night stuck somewhere in the woods with a howling hound that had treed a coon. He was also a great mechanic and could fix darn near anything.
Two-tracking and beer drinking were a favorite pastime. Looking for deer, shooting the bull and just spending quality time with whoever had the privilege of being in his company. When he was younger he played in many euchre tournaments with his dad and he still liked to play the occasional game.
He had to have his Old Milwaukee Beer and Camel Light Smokes for that! He loved to cook and in the summertime, sporting his “special apron” would be in his glory firing up the BBQ for family and friends. His jokes were always a big hit with whoever was within earshot and he was truly the life of the party!
His greatest pleasure was sneaking up behind you and growling in your ear. He had special creatures to scare the little ones with…Wungamongas and Wire-tailed Wumpas cats! He cherished his family and was always trying to get everyone together to spend time with them.
He knew no strangers, for he had a true, loving, compassionate heart for people, and would do whatever he could to lend a helping hand. He had many lifelong childhood friends whom he loved as family. He was a simple guy, enjoying gardening, farming, family, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, in laws Ruth and Jessie Moore, sister in law Kathy Moore, and grandson Nathan Velting. He is survived by the love of his life Dotty, and children Katheryn (Tony) Graves of Scottsville, KY, Christina Potrafke (Earl Martinez) of Scottsville, KY, Lori Williams of Ellsworth, Eddie (Sandy) Potrafke of Traverse City, Brandy (Jody) Pringle of Central Lake, and Tyrus (April) Potrafke of Scottsville, KY, brother in laws Danny (Val) Moore, John (Alvareta) Moore, Tim (Joanie) Moore and sister in law Lydia. He is further survived by grandchildren Christopher, Alexis, and Sean Velting, Krista Graves, Jovany Medina, Anthony Potrafke, Adrianna Potrafke, Sherwyn, Denisha and DeShawn Williams, Alex, Reagan, and Jaxon Potrafke, Jason Lugibihl Jr., Trevor Worrell, Jamieson Pringle, Celestria, Averick, Jazelea, Vallista and Zytius Potrafke, great-grandson Declan Velting and great granddaughter Lily Hutchinson.
He is also survived by siblings Catherine (Ernie) Rice of Alden, Carolyn (Gar) Lane of Alden, Julie (Dave) Tuck of Niagara, WI, and Tina Potrafke (Bob Chapman) of Rapid City, nieces and nephews Carrie (Mat) Carver, Shannon (Brice) Buntjer, Jesse (Lindsi Sommers) Lane, Tami (Cory) Smeltzer, David (Shelly) Tuck Jr., Billy (Bridgette) Tuck, Ashley (Noah) Williams, and Tiffany Eisler, Christopher (Kylie) Chapman, and Courtney (Danny Sosa) Chapman, Great nieces and nephews, Victoria (Vickie as Uncle Ed called her) Carver, Gillian Carver, Addison, Cameron, and Evan Buntjer, Willow Lane, David III and Abigail Tuck, Brayden Tuck, Tucker, Elliana, Sawyer, and Greyson Williams, Remi, and Liam Chapman, and Zaiden and Layla Sosa that he made a point of having a special loving relationship with and a great number of extended family. He was one of a kind to all who knew him. He is at peace, and will be missed greatly by the family and friends he left behind.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, March 31, at 3 p.m. at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes with Pastor Gary Bekkering officiating. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of service. Interment with Military Honors will take place in Helena Township Cemetery this spring.
Please sign his online guestbook www. mortensenfuneralhomes.com.
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