Emil Platzke of Bruce Crossing was called to his Heavenly home on January 18, 2007 after 94 years of Blessings on this Earth. He was born on April 29, 1912 to Julius and Anna (Stretting) Platzke of Bruce Crossing.

During his younger years he lived and worked on the family farm with his parents. On Sunday morning they attended Bethany Lutheran Church and during the afternoon he loved playing baseball for both the Bruce Crossing Wildcats and the town team. On the diamond, he excelled as both a catcher and a shortstop. His real pride came from catching baseball without a body guard or mask; one of only a few to do so. He also enjoyed music, poetry, acting and design/inventing; where he experienced success with various products which he had patented. He was also n avid writer, who was blessed with the gift of words.

Prior to World War II, he moved to Minneapolis, MN to further his education. In 1942 he joined U.S. Navy Armed Guard, serving as a member of a gun crew on various merchant vessels sailing the North Atlantic. He valiantly served until 1945, when he was Honorable Discharged. After World War II, he returned to Minneapolis to continue his education. Shortly afterwards, he graduated from McPhail School of Music with a Masters Degree in Public School Music. Rather than pursuing a career in music, he chose to work for the city if Minneapolis in various capacities until his retirement in 1979. At this time, he returned to the family farm in Bruce Crossing where he was born.

He is survived by one son, Del (Heather) Platzke of Atlantic Mine, 2 grandchildren, Jodie and Evan, all of whom he was exceedingly proud of. He is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 sisters and 6 brothers.

Funeral services will be held at his lifelong church, Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bruce Crossing on Thursday at 11 a.m. with Pastor Burgess Huehn officiating. Freinds may call at the church 1 hour prior to the start of the service. Spring burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery. Dennis Brown of Cane Funeral Home is assisting the family.