Herbert Putze

Herbert August Putze, 89, loving father, grandfather and brother, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 2, 2018 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato. 

In celebration of Herbert’s full life, Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 9, 2018 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Mankato. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the church. The interment is at Minneopa Cemetery. Mankato Mortuary is assisting the family.

Born in Jackson, Minnesota on February 9, 1928, Herbert grew up on the family dairy farm in the company of his parents and siblings, Maria, Vincent and Art. He was a quarterback for Trimont High School and graduated with honors. Some of his favorite memories were polka dancing at the Kato Ballroom, flying planes, hunting and fishing.

Herbert married Phyllis Dicks from South Africa and they had seven children. The family relocated to North Mankato where he worked as a bookkeeper for Brakke-Benze. But, his reputation was established as a residential and commercial painting contractor, Putze Painting. Gardening was his favorite past time. His friends and family described him as a ‘man of peace’, kind, generous and loving. These endearing qualities were products of his Christian faith, often evident in his hospitality to others at his Mankato home; then later, the nursing home in Janesville. Herbert also gave to charitable organizations by sponsoring children around the world.

He is survived by his brother, Vincent (Prudence) Putze; children, Davina Cowlard, Elizabeth (Steve) McConkey, Carl (Laurie) Putze, John Putze, Kate (Edward) McMenomy, David Putze, and Laura Cambra; beloved grandchildren, John (Natalie) McConkey, Nancy (Jason) Rich, James(Janet F. ) McConkey, Amanda Putze, Erica Putze, Kalley McMenomy, Karrie McMenomy and Ben McMenomy; seven beloved great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Family preceded in death include his siblings, Art and Maria; and Phyllis Putze.