James E. Tetzlaff

Tetzlaff, James E. MADISON-James E. Tetzlaff, age 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012, at Agrace HospiceCare after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on May 16, 1924, in Madison, the son of Karl and Vera (Widen) Tetzlaff. Jim served in the U. S. Army during World War II and was a POW, captured at the Battle of the Bulge. He was discharged in 1945. Jim married Mary Ellen Bakken on Sept. 19, 1945, at Memorial United Church of Christ in Madison. He worked as a carpenter in Madison, supervising the construction of thousands of homes. Jim later worked for Madison Public Schools as a carpenter until he retired in 1987. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and woodworking. Jim also enjoyed spending his weekends at the cabin he built on Lake Petenwell. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Ellen; three daughters, Suzanne (James) Gill, Sharon (Dan) Bradford, and Carol (Mark) Tormey; six grandchildren, David, Daniel, Caroline, Wendy, Lance and Douglas; great-grandchildren, Ryan, Jeff, Kevin, Kassel, Sarah, Jade, Kassandra, Caden, Cody and Virginia; a great-great-granddaughter, Alexis; brother, Karl Jr.; isters-in-law, Delores (Bill) Grady, Shirley (Jr.) Erickson, Delores and Kathryn Bakken; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and caregivers. Funeral services will be held at MEMORIAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 5705 Lacy Road, Fitchburg, at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012, with the Rev. Phil Haslanger presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Entombment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. A gathering will follow at VFW Post No. 7591, 301 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Memorial United Church of Christ. Special thanks to Agrace for their loving care given to our husband and dad. “Dad, you have taught us so much and were an extraordinary role model for all of us. We love you. You always had a real “grip” on life.” Cemetery: Entombment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Memorial United Church of Christ. Visitation will be held at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Funeral services will be held at MEMORIAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 5705 Lacy Road, Fitchburg, at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012, with the Rev. Phil Haslanger presiding.