COLUMBUS
Gustav T. Potthoff, 94, of Columbus, passed from this life at 5:50 p.m. Thursday, December 22, 2016 at his home.
Mr. Potthoff was born March 11, 1922, in Ambon, Indonesia, to Peter Julius and Rachel Potthoff.
He married Adele E. Brugghe on July 17, 1959.
Mr. Potthoff was a member of the Dutch Indies Army during World War II and was a Japanese POW.
While living in Holland, Mr. Potthoff worked for NATO. In 1965, Mr. Potthoff settled in Columbus to start his career with Cummins Engine Company retiring in 1987 after 22 years of service. After retirement, he obtained a passion for painting. He would use his paintings to depict memories of his time as a prisoner of war.
He was a member of North Christian Church and the Hope American Legion. He was active in the Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum where he became a member of the 95ers and he was a world traveler.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Adele; children, Brigitta (Daryl) Hemmings of Columbus and Gustav E. Potthoff of Orlando, Florida; a granddaughter, Dominee (Chris) Burton of Elizabethtown; great-grandson, Robert Gustav “Gus” Burton; nieces, Lottie Lapre of Brisbane, Australia, Kathy Mamangkey of Jakarta, Indonesia, and Marijke Verhagen of Amsterdam; great-niece, Isabella M. Van Nuissenberg of Singapore; and a great-nephew, Sebastian Van Nuissenberg of Brisbane, Australia.
Mr. Potthoff was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Josephine Franken; and a nephew, Anton Van Nuissenberg.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 8, 2017 at North Christian Church with Richard J. Yeaton officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or the Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum.
Arrangements were entrusted to Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the Potthoff family at barkesweaverglick.com.
