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Joseph Potucek Obituary
Joseph Charles Potucek, Jr. D.V.M.
April 18, 1933 - Dec. 24, 2021
PARIS, TX - Joseph Charles Potucek, Jr. D.V.M., 88 years old, of Paris, Texas hung up his spurs for the last time on December 24, 2021. He resided in Paris, Texas since 2018 with longtime partner, Dr. Alice Cox. Joseph moved from the Texas Hill Country at Willow City where he built a small ranch to raise Quarter Horses and cattle after practicing veterinary medicine in Northern Indiana for 40 years. He graduated in 1957 from Oklahoma A and M (now Oklahoma State University) School of Veterinary Medicine where he met and married Della Marie (Wehmeir) Potucek.
Joseph was one of two sons of Joseph Charles, Sr. DDS and Harriet Patricia (Loveless) Potucek. He was raised in Michigan City, Indiana where his love of horses sparked his interest in veterinary medicine. Joseph and Della built and operated Southlane Veterinary Hospital from 1958 to 1997 in Valparaiso, Indiana. He was an American Veterinary Medical Association member for 66 years and member of American Association of Equine Practitioners, Indiana Veterinary Medical Asso, Calumet Area Veterinary Medical Asso most of that time as well. Joseph always believed good animal husbandry skills made better animal owners and devoted much of his time to teaching young people. He was Porter County 4-H board member and Superintendent of the Horse and Pony project for many years. Joseph always strove to improve his veterinary skills building one of the first large animal surgery and recovery suites in Northern Indiana and incorporating new technology and applications to heal his patients. He loved meeting people and never stopped reading veterinary medicine material even after he stopped practicing.
He is survived by three children: Peggy and Ryan of Texas and Michael of California. Ryan and wife, Jenell have four children: Savannah, Colter, Maverick, and William. Joseph's younger brother, William Louis DDS and wife, Diana along with daughter, Pamela and her family live in Wisconsin. Their son Patrick and his family live in Indiana.
Joseph loved anything on horseback as well as fishing, bird hunting, and outdoor activities. Family plans to spread his ashes on a favorite fishing lake.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Potucek
4 Entries
Janet bell
January 20, 2022
Della,Peggy, Mike and Ryan, I just learned of Dr. Potucek's passing. It was a shock to hear he had passed. I hadn't seen him in years, but think of all you so often. Do you remember when I baby sat all of you kids. Peggy and Mike, it was while you still lived at the clinic on the corner of US 30 and Hwy 49. How many years ago was that? Years later my daughter and I would stay with Ryan at the farm in Morgan Twp. So many fun times. Ella and I think about (and talk about) those times. Wish I could see all of you. Give my love to your Mother. I think of her often.
Conrad West
January 13, 2022
Mike and Peggy,
So very sorry for your loss. I have some great memories with your dad.
Georgia Bricker
January 13, 2022
Dr Joe was our "vet" until he retired, and we respected his professional skills as well as his character. Our sympathy to his family.
Dr. Michael D. Foster
January 13, 2022
God speed, Dr. Joe. A mentor, friend, and role model. I could never repay what you gave me.
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