Obituaries

Theodore “Ted” Andrew Potoczak, age 88, of Goetzville, Michigan, died on July 22, 2025, in his home. He was born on June 10, 1937, in Goetzville, to Michael Sr. and Helen (Crusso) Potoczak.

Ted was a lifelong resident of Goetzville, the community he loved. He graduated from DeTour High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in science from Northern Michigan University in 1962. That same year, he began what would become a thirty-year career as a beloved Biology teacher at DeTour High School, retiring in 1992.

Ted was a proud member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, and the Raber Area Sportsman’s Club. Ted also had a love for sports and once played in both a fast pitch and slow pitch softball league. He was also a past member in a men’s bowling league in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. His favorite professional sports team was the Detroit Tigers.

An avid outdoorsman, Ted found joy and peace in nature. He loved farming, gardening, hunting, and generally spending time outside. Ted’s hunting trips included visits to Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota and Canada, but his favorite was hunting Michigan Whitetail deer.

Ted is survived by his brother, Robert (Helen “Peggy”) Potoczak of Newberry, Michigan; sister-in-law, Beverly “Jean” Potoczak of Goetzville; and nieces and nephews; Marlene (Gerald) Chubirka, Michael (Lara) Soczek, Mark Soczek, David Denn, James (Parzi) Denn, Brian (Krista) Potoczak, Cathy (Fred) Anderson, and Suzie (John) Przyella, and great nieces and nephews Michael “Mikey” Potoczak, Kadence Potoczak, Michaela Soczek, Nicholas Soczek, Michael Wereley, and Alex Wereley.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents, Michael Sr. and Helen; sisters, Frances Denn and Dorothy (Edward) Soczek; and brother, Michael J. Potoczak Jr.

Visitation will be held August 1, 2025, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 12841 E Traynor Rd, Goetzville, MI 49736. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 12:00 Noon, with the burial to follow at St. Stanislaus Cemetery, in Goetzville.

Memorials in Ted’s honor may be left to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 12841 E. Traynor Rd, Goetzville, MI 49736 or the EUP Fine Arts Council, 245 Erie St., DeTour Village, MI 49725.