Philip A. Trotzke

Philip Arnold Trotzke, age 81, of Terre Haute, passed away on December 22, 2020, of complications related to COVID-19. Phil was born in Terre Haute on June 28, 1939, the only son of the late Paul A. Trotzke and Mildred M. (Walls) Trotzke.

After graduating from Wiley High School in 1957, Phil studied music at Frankfort Pilgram College. In 1958, he married his high school sweetheart Marlene Kay (Brooker) Trotzke. He served in the Army for one year and then the Indiana National Guard. During this time, Phil and Marlene lived in San Antonio, Texas, and Indianapolis before returning to Terre Haute in the early 1960s. Phil joined his parents to help run the Trotzke's Orchard and served as manager of Trotzke's Market.

Phil and Marlene welcomed son Mike in 1976 and daughter Julie in 1982. Phil worked for 17 years for the J.I. Case Company and ran his own home improvement business until he retired.
Throughout his life, Phil loved gospel music and playing the piano. He wrote and arranged several original songs, including collaborating with Merritt Ford on "God Took Away My Yesterdays," which Jimmy Swaggart recorded in 1958. He also hosted a gospel radio show and traveled and performed in southern gospel quartets, including the Ambassadors, the Gospel Keys, and Crystal Valley Quartet.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years Marlene, son Mike (Betsy), daughter Julie McDonald, son-in-law Brandon McDonald, four grandchildren, Gavin, Kaylee, Kannon, and Quinn; and three sisters-in-law and their families, including many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 27, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at DeBaun Springhill Chapel, with services beginning at 4:00 p.m.  Pastor Rick Swan will be officiating.  Due to Covid-19 restrictions masks are required and social distancing measures are in place. A private burial service will be held the next day at Roselawn Cemetery. Those that knew Phil are encouraged to share ways he touched their lives on www.debaunfunerlhomes.com.

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