James (Jim) Edward Felke 73, Rochester, Indiana, passed away at 10:10 A.M. Tuesday July 19, 2016 at his residence.

He was born on June 28, 1943 in Plymouth, Indiana, the son of Paul and Clara M. (Wozniak) Felke. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1961, received his Bachelors Degree from Ball State University and his Master Degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. On December 30, 1983 in Rochester, Indiana, he married Katie Flynn.

After graduating from college, Mr. Felke had taught Industrial Arts at Griffith High School, Griffith, Indiana and at Calumet High School, Calumet, Indiana. He returned to the Rochester area working as a Prudential Agent in 1975.  In the mid 1980’s, Mr. Felke resumed his teaching career as an Industrial Arts teacher at North Miami High School where he taught until his retirement in 2010. While at North Miami he also served as track and cross-country coach for 17 years. Mr. Felke attended Warsaw Community Church, was a member and held several officer positions in the Indiana Archeology Society and the Genuine Indian Relics Society and was a member of the Indiana State Teacher’s Association. He enjoyed woodworking, nature searching, collecting Indian Artifacts, loved cruising and photographing nature and spending time with his wife, family and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Katie Felke, Rochester, Indiana; children, Chris Felke and friend Tracy Duncan, Greenwood, Indiana; Michele and husband Lance Nelson, Rochester, Indiana; Kyle and wife Alisa Felke, Valparaiso, Indiana; Courtney Felke, Redding, California; Carey and husband Ryan Miller, O’Fallon, Missouri, grandchildren, Parker Nelson and friend Shawna Ousley, Chas and Macie Nelson, Isabelle and Tristan Felke, Lucas and Jaden Felke, Makayla Miller; great-grandson, Carter Nelson; sisters, Paulette (Felke) and husband Rick Couse, Warsaw, Indiana and Patricia Felke, Cassopolis, Michigan.  His parents Paul and Clara Felke preceded him in death.

Memorial services will take place at 11:00 A.M. Saturday July 23, 2016 at Mill Creek Missionary Church, Rochester, Indiana. Friends may visit from 3-8 P.M. Friday at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, Indiana and one hour prior to service Saturday at the church.  Interment will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fulton County Community Foundation Operating Endowment Fund or the David Ewing McCarter Athletic Scholarship Fund. Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com

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