COLUMBUS, INDIANA
Adele E. Potthoff, 91, a resident of Columbus, Indiana, passed from this life at 11:41 p.m. Friday, March 8, 2024, at her home.
Mrs. Potthoff was born in Salatiga, Indonesia, September 21, 1932, the loving daughter of Eduard E. Brugghe and Joetmi Brugghe. She was the wife of Gustav T. Potthoff, to whom she was married to for 57 years, until his death December 22, 2016.
Mrs. Potthoff graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from St. Ignatius in Breda, Holland where she was encouraged by her grandfather to pursue an education in Holland. Upon graduation, she had intent of working at the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Lambarene, Africa as her major was in tropical disease. She replied to a beautiful postcard sent by Gus, accepting a date. Then as husband, wife and daughter, Brigitte, they embarked on a transatlantic trip to America where they have called Indiana home since April 1962. Her first nursing job was at Riley Children’s Hospital, then on to CRH working as labor + delivery nurse retiring from there after 27 years of employment.
She was a member of the former North Christian Church. Adele loved traveling, her passport alone is a testament to the 1000’s of miles she has traveled. Her love of reading, listening to everything from classical to country was endless. She and her husband maintained a wonderful garden. She enjoyed canning, baking and was an excellent Indonesian cook, and oh! the Dutch rijsttafel that she could prepare!
Her life will be cherished by her children, Brigitta Hemmings of Columbus and Gustav E. Potthoff of Columbus; granddaughter, Dominee (Chris) Burton of Elizabethtown; and her great-grandson, Robert Gustav “Gus” Burton; niece, Aan Andini of Jakarta, Indonesia; great-nieces, Amelita Surtikanti of Saudi Arabia, Tanya Dwi Ayiningtyas of Jakarta, Indonesia, Andyasti Ciptaningtyas Jakarta, Indonesia and Pritania Dwi Harsani of Surabaya, Indonesia.
Mrs. Potthoff was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gustav; brother, Henri P. Brugghe; and her son-in-law, Daryl Hemmings.
In keeping with Mrs. Potthoff’s wishes, cremation was chosen. A private family service will be held at the Garland Brook Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, 2626 East 17th Street, Columbus, Indiana 47201, Bartholomew County Humane Society, or cards are available at Barkes, Weaver &Glick Funeral Home.
Condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at barkesweaverglick.com.
