George Anthony TOTEFF Jr.

George TOTEFF Obituary

TOTEFF George Anthony, Jr. George Anthony Toteff, Jr. died Tuesday, February 1, 2011, in his home near Johannesburg, Michigan. While in the company of his four children, he peacefully fell to sleep as his family surrounded his bed and prayed the rosary, something that their father did daily. Diana (John Bergquist), Mark (Nancy Toteff), Wayne (Babe Toteff) and Bonny (Bret Miller) were blessed to be able to share his final moments, just as they all had less than ten months ago with their mother. George was born November 14, 1925, in Duquesne PA, son of the late George A Toteff Sr. and Mary Toteff. His father came from Bulgaria and was the owner of a ticket for the Titanic... a voyage he fortunately missed. During his full lifetime, George felt very blessed and enjoyed much success. It began when as a young man struggling with a new company; he made a pilgrimage to St Anne's in Canada and received a vision in a dream. The Trinity and three roses inspired him to create the 3-in-1 model car kit that propelled his company to great success. A champion of manufacturing, George was a member of the Hobby Manufacturers Hall of Fame. His tireless efforts and strong faith allowed him to lead several companies to prosperity, including, AMT, MPC, Lionel Trains, Craft House Casuals and Craft House Corporation. He located his manufacturing plant in Kalkaska, Michigan and created over 200 jobs, took the company public and became part of the RPM, Inc family of companies. Family values always came first for George, and he took great pride in passing on and instilling those values in his children and grandchildren. Of all his success in life, he always believed his family was his greatest. His grandchildren include Darren and Heather Bergquist and their daughter Morgan, Ryan and Trishia Bergquist and their sons Jaeger and Rocco, Ashlee Bergquist, Kyle Toteff, Chad and Chelsie Toteff and their sons Jake and Trace, Andrew Robertson, Andrew and Courtney Toteff and their daughter Maisey, Jennifer Toteff, Mary Toteff, Mark and Katie Miller and their sons Luke and Gavin, Eric Miller and Michelle Miller, 1 brother, Robert Toteff of Saginaw and 1 sister, Maryann (Thomas) Miller of Farwell. The last nine months of George's life he wished to be reunited with his late wife of 60 years, Loretta, and this week he got his wish. He missed her terribly and credited her with being the pillar of his success. A visitation will be held Friday, February 4, 2011, at the Nelson Funeral Home in Gaylord from noon until 8pm, with a rosary at 6pm. A funeral mass will be held at St Mary Cathedral at 11am Saturday, February 5, 2011, with visitation beginning at 10am. A luncheon will follow. Donations in memory of George Toteff may be made to Hospice of Michigan through the Nelson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734. Friends may share memories or offer their condolences online at www.nelsonsfuneralhome.com

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Published by The Blade on Feb. 4, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for George TOTEFF

7 Entries

John Sanderson

February 18, 2011

I only saw George when he came into Fundimensioms in '76-77, when I worked there. He was certainly a legend, even then, and well respected. I had no idea of his career at the time, except that he had started MPC. I would have loved to talk with him about AMT, MPC, and earlier Lionel. I am sure he will be missed by all who knew him.

Kurt Lamlein

February 17, 2011

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Toteff family in their time of loss. I will be eternally grateful for all the wonderful models that Mr. Toteff created. These marvels opened my eyes to worlds I would not have been exposed to otherwise, and made a rather unhappy and sometimes brutal childhood bearable. Thank you, Sir, for all the wonderful memories!!

Johnny Holt

February 15, 2011

Our thougts and Prayers go out to the entire Toteff Family!
I as so many others are, in awe of this mans accomplishments and contributions to the world we know as model building!
I only wish I could have met the man in person so I could shake his hand and thank him for all the enjoyment he has brought me and others though his work in the model industry!
Godspeed Goerge Anthony Toteff, we will see you when we are all called home.
J. R. Holt and Family

Michael Perkins

February 13, 2011

Dear Toteff Family,
I had the honor of working with George when he bought my father's company, Lindberg. Right from the begining he took me under his wing and taught me a variety of things I still use today. He was a mentor to me and although I have not seen him in a very long time, I think of him often. He was a very kind man who had a deep faith in God and was an example to me many times in how he took care of the people around him. My family's thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

February 10, 2011

Dear Toteff family, We were sorry to hear of George's passing and were unaware of Loretta's death. We have nothing but wonderful memories of good times at the farm, at horse shows, tour of Lionel Factory, and Fondu. Your parents were wonderful,generous,loving, christian people who were loved by all and excellent role models. Our thoughts are with you and may God comfort and bless your family. Carl, Lori, Brad and Scott Luepnitz

Ted Graham

February 5, 2011

A truely generous person, we feel blessed to know the Toteff Family.

From all the Graham's that connected with Mr and Mrs Toteff through Hilton Head,

February 4, 2011

Toteff Family, I am so sorry to hear of Georges' passing ,my thoughts and prayers are with you and all family and friends may you draw comfort from each other and get your greatest strength from the God of comfort and peace.

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