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John Totzke Obituary
"Jack"
Jack Totzke, 44, died August 22, 2012 in Centennial, Colorado.
Jack was born October 9th, 1967 to Martha and Henry Totzke in Ogden, Utah. He was in Bonneville High School's graduating class of 1985. He graduated with a degree in Speech Communication from the University of Utah in 1991. He went on to get many certifications in network engineering and worked at TWTelecom at the time of his death.
Jack was known for his quick wit, infectious humor and smile. His signature laugh made him easy to find at a party, in a crowd or at a concert. Jack was a person who was easy to laugh with and to be with on any and all occasions; almost any time with Jack would lead to laughter so hard your stomach hurt. It's not a wonder he lit up the room wherever he decided to crash. He also was a thinker and enjoyed providing alternate ways of viewing some philosophical concept. Jack sought the truth and had an insatiable thirst for knowledge, particularly where his work was concerned. He was a valued technical resource and always willing to share his knowledge. Jack loved his music and he was a talented guitar player. Friends and family will recall staying up late nights listening to him channel Jimmy Page, his favorite, and other great guitarists. Many incredible times were had with him at concerts, as he was in his element - regardless of the venue's location. He had a great sense of adventure and had a blast traveling with his buds to Alaska, Valley of Fire and Peru, among many others.
He was an attentive and loving son.
Good Man!
His father, Henry Totzke, precedes Jack in death.
Jack is survived by his mother, Martha, stepfather, Jack, siblings Terri, Mike, Chris and stepsiblings Dale, Susan and Clint. He also is survived by countless friends.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Totzke
Sponsored by Terri LEE!.
Terri Lee
August 17, 2020
It’s hard to believe that 8 years have passed. I just really, really miss Jack.
Darren DeFrain
August 28, 2019
On the anniversary of Jack's passing I'm still missing him. We'd lost touch, but he was such a character! And one of the people from my formative years who I have nothing but good memories about. A couple of things that come to mind are that Jack was trying to memorize the dictionary when we were at the U of U. He'd tackle about 10 words a day as I recall and then try to use them, often with hilarious results, throughout the day. He was always trying to better himself in some way.
But I also remember his rascally side. If you left your dorm room unlocked Jack, who was an early riser, would burst in and feign a game show persona. He'd start with "It's the Wake-up Game! With your host...JAAAAAAACK Totzke!" He take a bow and then tear your comforter or sheets off your irritated form and follow that with "Here's our first contestant from right here in Salt Lake City. He likes skiing, drinking, and listening to punk music. When he's not in class, you can find him sleeping in his dorm. Please give a warm Wake-up Game welcome to _____!" It was pretty hysterical (if you weren't the contestant).
Miss you, buddy!
February 17, 2019
I met Jack in high school at a warehouse party. I was immediately smitten and we stayed in contact on and off for many years thereafter. We hung out at various Ogden events, went on a few dates, and he toured me around his house in Ogden.
At the University of Utah we ran into each other again and Jack was ironically located in the dorms directly across from my dorms. I would hang out in his room and we would listen to Led Zepplin. I remember how handsome I thought he was and what a nice smile he had.....and that laugh. He was never at a loss for words and would always ask me lots of questions, showing interest in my opinions. Jack always reminded me of the "boy nex tdoor" and had a boyish innocence to him.
I just found out about Jack's death today on February 17, 2019. It makes me so sad to find out he's no longer with us. Jack was funny, special and stood out. He was one of my first crushes ever and was a great kisser. (I hope you're smiling in heaven knowing that.) ;)
Rest in Peace, my friend. XO
Stef
Darren DeFrain
March 11, 2017
Oh man. I'm just hearing about this. Jack was a dear, dear friend in college and so many of my great (not just good) memories are of Jack. I'm so crushed he's not with us any more. What a spirit!
October 30, 2014
Love and miss you. Aunt Martha
Gaber Donner
October 29, 2014
I love this man
Terri Lee!
August 20, 2013
Hard to believe a year has passed... doesn't help, really, with the hole you've left in my heart, my young brother! Remember who'd looing out for you! then you can wake me up! I love you!
Jia Fan
March 27, 2013
It has been more than six months since Jack passed away. I still think of him from time to time. He was such a good friend to me and my husband when we were in Denver. We still kept in touch after we moved away. He will always be missed.
October 2, 2012
We love him and will miss him, but will not forget him.
Aunt Martha
Brendon Macaraeg
September 13, 2012
I wasn't close friends with Jack, but knew him through his younger brother Mike (Mike and I were classmates at St. Joseph's High School in Ogden). They were very similar in nature though: gregarious and always quick to try to make people laugh. Good people and sad to learn of Mike's brother passing...
Judith Kiernan
September 10, 2012
I was stunned to read of Jack's death. I will always remember his great diving at the racquet club in Ogden. He was such fun and so very handsome. Now I am desperately trying to find his mother and Jack his stepfather to express my thoughts in person. Marty---if you read this please call or write to Judy K at 801-270-8591 or [email protected]. PLEASE!
Melanie Spradling
September 4, 2012
Jack had an infectious laugh and was fun to go down the slopes with!!He taught me to ski. He was engaging and I just loved him!! May God be with you all in our great time of loss! Love Melanie Spradling
Christopher Brimley
September 4, 2012
I will always remember Jack for all the reason listed in his obituary. I was on the way out of the UU and 220 scene when Jack was was just being initiated into the craziness and joy of it all, with true friends. He added so much to the group. Funny, wise, always ready to laugh at himself. I just instantly loved the kid. As did all of us from that world.
Joe Imperiale
September 4, 2012
I offer my deepest condolences to Mike and the Totzke family. Rest in peace Jack.
Kelly Peterson
September 2, 2012
My heart goes out to you all I am so sorry to hear the bad news I wish you much healing and I have great memories of time with Jack I enjoyed playing basketball with the Totzke boys in Park city and those family functions!
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