William "Doc" and Diana Potucek

William Louis Potucek D.D.S., 87, died peacefully at home in Presque Isle, WI.  His final moments were under the Northern Lights, as they danced across the sky during the early morning hours of February 27^th, 2023.

Bill (also known by many as “Doc”) was born in Michigan City, IN on January 23^rd, 1936.  He was the second son (and youngest) child of Joseph Charles, Sr., D.D.S. and Harriet (Loveless) Potucek.   In the early years of life, he lived above his father's dental practice, which sparked his interest and later defined his career choice.

He attended Elston High School in Michigan City, IN where he met the love of his life, Diana Benoit.  They dated for 9 years and married on June 18^th, 1960. 

Bill attended Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University) and graduated with honors.  He thrived during his time there and added rodeo championships, school politics and many a party under his belt.  He went onto the Indiana University School of Dentistry.    After graduation, Bill joined his father, JC, in their family dental practice in Michigan City, IN. 

Bill had a passion for animals.  He had an eye for a good dog and retired a number of national field champions (beagles/pointers/setters). His final dog, Gunnar, was his soul dog and we are sure he was the one to greet our father as he left this earth.

“Doc” was passionate about learning and self growth.  He often told us to never rest on our laurels.  He became an amazing carver, an accomplished fisherman/outdoorsman, a cook (one of his more unsuccessful ventures), and so much more.   He also had a love of volunteering and worked with many groups throughout the years.  After retirement, he especially loved his time with the Boulder Junction Lions, where he was an active member for 20 years and he was the recipient of the Melvin Jones Award for his service.  In addition, he was an active member of St. Anne's Catholic Church in Boulder Junction, WI.

Bill and his beloved wife, Diana, were dedicated to each other for 61 years.  Sweethearts, with a little spice, to the very end.    They enjoyed nothing more than their family and community, until Diana no longer could participate due to her health.

He was survived by two children:  Patrick (Heidi) Potucek of LaPorte, IN and Pam (Pat) Muenzner of Presque Isle, WI, and was a proud grandfather to Paige and Mack Potucek, and Jamie and Zac Muenzner.   Doc had three nieces, Peggy Jo Potucek, Nancy Gilles and Andrea Glendenning three nephews, Michael and Ryan Potucek and Paul Gilles.  Doc also had many friends who became family, especially their foster son, Frank Pawlik, and his dear friend, JJ Skalka.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Harriet and J.C., and his older brother, Joseph Charles Potucek, Jr., D.V.M.

Forever remembered for his big heart, love of yard sales, adding copious amounts of glue to every repair job, and the most amazing laugh.  His memory will continue to bring a smile to the many that loved him. 

Memorial Mass for Doc will be on Saturday, June 24^th at 11:00 am at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Boulder Junction, WI with a memorial gathering from 10:30 am till time of service.  Following the Mass everyone is invited to the Boulder Junction Community Center for a luncheon.

Diana Lee (Benoit) Potucek, R.N., 86, passed at the Legacy of the Northwoods in Eagle River, WI on March 13^th, 2023.  She died as she lived, forever dedicated to her one true love, Bill, who passed exactly two weeks prior to her own death.   By the beautiful smile on her face in her final moments, we know she was greeted by her sweetheart for her final journey home.

Diana was born in Chicago, IL and was the oldest child of Raymond and Dorothy (Orr) Benoit.  Her parents and siblings, Sandra (Sunny) Gilles and Randy Benoit, both preceded her in death.

She eventually attended Elston High School in Michigan City, IN after living for a number of years in both Illinois and Council Bluffs, IA.  After moving to Indiana at the age of 15, Diana met William Potucek.  It wasn't love at first sight, but he eventually won her over. They forever adored each other until their final breath.  They married in June 18^th, 1960.

After high school graduation, Diana attended Michael Reese School of Nursing in Chicago, IL, where she received her R.N. Degree.  She was amazing in her field, but gave it all up to raise a family in Michigan City, IN.  Once empty nesters, Diana and Bill eventually retired to Presque Isle, WI.

Diana had two children:  Patrick (Heidi) Potucek and Pam (Pat) Muenzner, and was the adoring grandmother to Paige and Mack Potucek and Jamie and Zac Muenzner.   She had three nieces: Peggy Jo Potucek, Nancy Gilles and Andrea Glendenning, and three nephews:  Michael and Ryan Potucek and Paul Gilles.

Diana will be remembered for her wicked sense of humor and love of a good joke (though often caught rolling her eyes at her husband's) and her soft spot for all animals.  She adored collecting antiques and had a gift for making the mundane beautiful.  Her catch phrase was “I love you, honey” for each and every one of the people that she adored.  She was a card shark if there ever was one, and made us all laugh with her enthusiasm for family game night. Diana was a huge fan of strapping on her little Birkenstocks and going to lunch with her friends, where hilarious stories were always told.  Diana's family would like to think of her as an entrepreneur, as we know QVC and Publishers Clearing House would have gone out of business if not for her continued support and dedication. 

She was an active member of her church, St. Anne's Catholic Church in Boulder Junction, WI.  She would be so happy to know that her decades-long quest for a new gathering hall has been achieved.  

Diana was the very best cheerleader anyone could have asked for.  If she cared about you, you could do no wrong.  She led her life putting others first.  Her loved ones are forever grateful that she is free of her physical pain and confusion she experienced during her final years. 

“We love you, honey”. 

Memorial Mass for Diana will be on Saturday, June 24^th at 11:00 am at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Boulder Junction, WI with a memorial gathering from 10:30 am till time of service.  Following the Mass everyone is invited to the Boulder Junction Community Center for a luncheon.