Obituary of John Michael Fettke
John Michael Fettke, 83, of Mari-Bob Farm, Charlton NY passed away on Monday, November 20, 2017, peacefully at home with his family. He was the son of Madeline (Rauch) Fettke and Paul A. Fettke.
He was the loving husband of Mari (Hickey) Fettke for over 58 years.
John was born in Manhattan and soon afterwards moved to Long Island, NY. He was a graduate of Port Jefferson High School, SUNY Farmingdale, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. He attended RPI Graduate School.
After graduation and Navy service he worked as an engineer in New Hampshire and Connecticut before finally working for GE Aircraft Engines in Lynn MA for 25 years. He received a patent for his high pressure relief valve and created a diagnostic system for testing jet engines. He was the recipient of the Gerhard Neumann Award among other honors.
While in Connecticut and Massachusetts he was very involved with his children’s activities including Indian Guides, Boy Scouts, coaching soccer, and many exciting adventures with his sons and their friends including skiing and mountain climbing. He was a church deacon and Sunday School teacher.
He retired to his wife’s childhood home in Charlton where he loved being a “gentleman farmer” in the idyllic rural town. His joy was annually hosting all his grandchildren at the “farm” where they enjoyed country freedom, a private pond and being spoiled.
John enjoyed traveling the world to most continents, and was always willing to indulge in sports with the encouragement of his family, including sailing, mountain climbing, bungee jumping, rock climbing, sky diving, speed skating, horseback riding, scuba diving and skiing.
John was an active member of the West Charlton Volunteer Fire Department, serving as Secretary for 17 years and a First Responder. He was a former Board Member of the Charlton Historical Society, a former member of the Republican Town Committee, and a long time member of the Burnt Hills Rotary where he was generously honored with the Paul Harris Award.
John was predeceased by his parents and his sister. Survivors include his wife, Mari, his sons Robert Fettke and wife Karen, Rich Fettke and wife Katherine, John Stephen Fettke and his wife Kimi, grandchildren Karina Vitale, Krista Mari Fettke, Christopher Fettke, Heather Fettke, Taran Fettke, Thor Fettke, brother-in-law Robert C. Hickey (Joyce), niece Deena Messinger Koeller, nephew John Arfanis, and dear lifelong friends James Grubiak and Dorothy Sanders Zweighaft.
Private services will be at the convenience of the family with a Life Celebration next summer.
The family is grateful for the loving care of the nurses and special staff Hospice of Saratoga and Montgomery Counties.
