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James (Jim) Royal Natzke, 86, passed away on September 11, 2021. Jim was the oldest of five children born to George and Myrtle (Henson) Natzke, of Merrill, Wisconsin. After graduating from high school at Merrill, Jim joined the Navy and was deployed overseas on various destroyers towards the end of the Korean War. Upon returning from the war, Jim attended college and married his high school girlfriend, Bonnie Utecht. They eventually settled in Des Moines to raise their family and became actively involved in their community. Jim had a long career in sales, including many years at Iowa Realty, where Bonnie also ended her career. Jim has remained a proud veteran his entire life and has been involved in a number of veterans affairs, including Veterans of Foreign Wars. His philanthropic engagements also included the Za Ga Zig Shrine, the Royal Court of Jester Court 46, Acanthus Lodge No. 632, the Scottish Rite 32 Degree Mason and – most importantly – the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks at West Des Moines, Iowa, where he was elected exalted ruler. He continued to be an active member throughout his adult life. Jim was very fond of the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing and gardening. He hunted for many years at Natzke Camp in Wisconsin – a tradition with his family and friends, and later at Natzke Farm in northern Missouri with his son Jay and family. As an envious green-thumbed gardener, he won numerous awards for his canned vegetables at the Iowa State Fair, which he adored. As a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan, Jim amassed a huge collection of Packers memorabilia, which he proudly displayed, attended games at Lambeau Field when possible and, when he did. had none, he watched the games with like-minded Packer fans.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, his wife Bonnie and his son Jay. He is survived by his daughter, Kelly Schafer, and his four siblings: Gerald Natzke (Nancy), Carol (Greg) Zoellner, Sandra (Cookie) Hamlin and George Natzke (Nancy). He is survived by his grandchildren Kathryn, Carolyn, Lucas and Nikolas. He was deeply devoted to his long-time companion, Nadine Ludwig, and his family: Steve Ludwig, Valerie Williams, Richard Yardley and Rick, Roxanne and Anna Ludwig, as well as many extended family members and friends, who could just as easily have been a family.
A celebration of Jim’s life will take place at the West Des Moines Elks Lodge on Saturday, October 9, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. All are invited to attend and share their stories. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution can do so at West Des Moines Elks Lodge # 2752,2060 NW 94th St, Clive, IA 50325.
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