John W. Krotzer Jr.'s Obituary
John Walter Krotzer, Jr. also known as Johnny, Dad, Daddy, Papooh, Uncle Johnny and Papa John was born on October 19, 1941, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was a graduate of Treadwell High School’s Class of 1959. John attended the University of Memphis and was proud to serve in the US Marine Reserves.
John started his career in retail at Carondelet where he met the love of his life, Cheri. He went on to spend 36 years as a store manager with H. J. Wilson’s/Service Merchandise. He later found his true professional calling in Machine Tools Sales with the Phillips Corporation selling Haas CNC equipment. This allowed him the opportunity to meet and befriend many businessmen along his travels. He truly enjoyed making connections with people and was sure to leave his clients with a friendly word, a warm smile and having shared the love of Christ.
John was an example of a man driven by his purpose and faith in Christ and truly lived out his favorite bible verse Isaiah 6:8. “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Before his failing health, John enjoyed many mission trips to places such as Brazil, China, Kentucky and served locally at the Memphis Union Mission and Douglass Middle School. John was a member of Faith Baptist Church-Bartlett where he served as a deacon, Men’s Ministry Director, was part of the Celebration Choir and other various committees. He greatly enjoyed attending Faith Walk and was honored to then assist on walks for other believers. He was an inspiration and encouragement to all who knew him and was loved and admired by many. The impact of John’s life will be felt for years to come. If John was not sharing his love of Christ, you could catch him at a fishing hole, on his zero-turn lawn mower, golfing, playing cards with friends, or couch coaching his beloved Memphis Tigers’ basketball and football teams.
John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Hazel Krotzer; and his sisters Betty (Sam) Mitchell and Lisa (Gary) Brown. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Cheri; his daughters Heather (Chris) Kubitz and Kristy Krotzer; his grandchildren and the apples of his eye, Hunter and Ava Kubitz; and a host of family members and friends. John will also be greatly missed by his “buddy” and fellow oatmeal cookie eater, Max, the pint-sized Yorkshire Terrier. He was the definition of a family man, and he loved sharing stories, laughs, and meals around the dinner table where he made sure there was always room for one more.
The family will receive guests on Monday, November 6th from 4-6pm at Faith Baptist Church- Bartlett and celebrate his life and legacy at 6pm.
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