Clarence C. Kositzke

Clarence Kositzke, age 97, passed away on May 13, 2009 at the Appleton Health Care Center. He was born June 22, 1911 in Appleton to the late Herman and Ella (Luebke) Kositzke. On February 2, 1935 Clarence married Harriet Smits, and together they enjoyed 62 years of marriage. Clarence participated in Golden Gloves boxing and many years of bowling. Clarence worked for the Appleton Toy Factory, the Appleton Supply company, and then moved to Weyauwega where he owned and operated the Keenway food store. In 1953 he moved back to Appleton and worked at the ALKO supermarket, then later at Orv's Pizza. In 1970 Clarence played Santa in Appleton's first Christmas parade. He continued being Santa for family and friends for many years. He will also be remembered for his delicious home-made Curly's Candy.
Clarence is survived by his children: Ken (Carole) Kositzke, Betty (Leroy) Sommers, Mary (Patrick) Kiley, and David Kositzke, all of Appleton; grandchildren: Cynthia Sorenson, William (Roxanne) Kositzke, Connie (John) Maki, Kurt Kositzke, Beth Rowe, Mark (Virginia) Rowe, Jayne Rowe, Terry Rowe, Jackie (Jeffrey) Warzyn, and Petra (Nicholas) Price; great-grandchildren: Ethan Kositzke, Caleigh Kositzke, Melinda (Mike) Betz, Ben Nieft, Ryan Rowe, Lawrence Muthig, Chad Muthig, Allyson Floyd, Michelle (Adam) Lanser, Jason Warzyn, Molly Warzyn, and Miranda Warzyn; and a great-great-grandchild, Cole Betz.
Clarence was preceded in death by his wife Harriet, his sister Elvira Cotter, brothers Orville Kositzke and Wilbur Kositzke, grandson David Marschner, and also several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
The funeral liturgy for Clarence will be held on Monday, May 18, 2009 at 10:30 AM at ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 312 S. State Street in Appleton with Fr. Donald Zuleger officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery. Friends may call at the Wichmann Funeral Home on Sunday from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM and again at the church on Monday morning after 9:30 AM

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, Wisconsin 54911
920 739-1231