Former Willows resident and educator Adolph Wutzke died in Chico on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023. He was born on a farm southeast of Elgin, North Dakota, on June 21, 1934.
He graduated from Elgin High School in 1952. He paused his higher education to serve two years in the Army, continuing as a reservist until 1962.
After active duty, he returned to Dickinson State to complete his B.S. in English and Industrial Arts. In 1966, he received a Masters in English, graduating with honors from Adams State in Colorado.
He married the love of his life, Dorothy Mutschelknaus in 1957.
He taught in North Dakota before moving to Willows in 1963, where he taught English and served as English Department Chairman, advisor for the FTA and the Tattler, and coach for JV baseball for three years. He also taught English classes at Butte and Yuba Colleges.
In 1976 they moved back to North Dakota, where he worked as a supervisor at the North American Coal Corporation.
They moved to Yuba City in 1977, where he taught architectural drafting and design and became the Vocational ROP Administrator. He was named the Outstanding Vocational Administrator in the Sutter, Yuba and Colusa Counties in 1992 and 1994.
He worked summers as a supervisor for Harter Packing Company. He also painted houses and did carpentry work throughout his life.
He retired from teaching in 1994, moving near Oroville Dam where he and his wife spent many years fishing. They also spent many summers near the Hood Canal in Washington, fishing, harvesting seafood, and enjoying their family and friends.
He loved spending time watching his grandchildren grow and play sports. He was greatly loved and will be deeply missed.
He leaves behind his daughters, Deborah (Lance) Lambert, Carolyn, and Barbara; grandchildren Amanda Lambert, Jason (Breanne) Leube, Kaitlin (Raymond) Vondran, Nathan Leube, Justin Lambert and Chase (fiancée Megan) Lambert; six great-grandchildren; sister Irma Lowe; sister-in-law Elaine Mutschelknaus; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; parents Emanuel and
Alvina; and brother Carl.
Services are planned for 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19, at First Lutheran Church in Willows. In lieu of flowers, you may contribute to your favorite charity or the First Lutheran Church.
The Glenn County Observer 