John "Dutch" Robert Toews

Dutch graduated from Delano High School in1962 and was active in both wrestling and football. On the football team, he played Left Tackle Defense and Right Tackle Offense. Coach Nolan Shaffer says he was one of the greatest football players he ever coached. Their football team won the 1961 Yosemite League Championship. He was recognized as Outstanding Senior All Around Athlete at Delano High School for wrestling in 1962. Dutch was recognized and inducted into the Delano High School Hall of Fame for his achievements in football.

Dutch played football for Brigham Young University and Bakersfield College, and then enlisted into the United States Navy, where he was commissioned to a submarine and served for four years.

When he returned home from the military, he began working at Montgomery Ward’s, where he learned the carpet business and interior design, and then moved on to work at Carpet Cave. He married Patricia “Patti” Ann Porcho in Las Vegas in October of 1968. Patti gave birth to their daughter, Nicole Renee Toews, in May of 1971. Dutch married Nancy Auten in 1975. They welcomed their sons: Adam Eugene Toews in February of 1979 and Brian Eugene Taves in October of 1980. Dutch opened and operated his own carpet business, Carpet Tree, from 1980 through 1993. After his carpet career, he began his real estate career: Watson Realty, KW Associates, Century 21 Tobais, Coldwell Banker Preferred, and Miramar National. This is when he adopted his famous and catchy slogan “Get in Touch with Dutch.”

Dutch usually owned at least one dog and they were one of his greatest enjoyments. He was an avid 49ers fan and loved to watch football games, but especially loved college football (USC). Dutch loved to attend country music concerts and was an enthusiastic Carrie Underwood fan. He spent ten years as a member of the local Active 20/30 Club in Bakersfield, serving as the president for a time. Dutch loved to be around people, enjoy life and laugh.

Holidays and family gatherings were never dull - Dutch made sure of it. Whether it was shoving someone’s face in one of his mom’s homemade cream pies, squirting people through the kitchen/patio window with water from the kitchen sink, or tackling them outside, Dutch made sure there was plenty of excitement. He was known for cutting a pie in half and sitting on the couch with a half gallon of ice cream to watch the game after holiday dinners.

The stories we often heard about Dutch’s younger years: Dutch used to jump off of the roof, Dutch fell through the glass shower door, and he just wasn’t afraid of anything or wasn’t afraid to try any daring feat.

Dutch was preceded in death by Adam Eugene Toews (son), Rachel Mae Toews (mother), John Chester Toews (father), Pamela Rae Swanson (sister), and Shelby Swanson (niece).

Dutch is survived by his daughter Nicole Renee Hicks, son-in-law William Hicks, granddaughters - Layla Ann Hicks and Kayla Hicks; son Brian Eugene Taves and granddaughters - Olivia Marie Taves and Aubrey Weeden, grandsons - Wyatt Parsons and Tanner Parsons; his brother-in-law, John Swanson, and his son, Shane Swanson (children - Hunter, Carter, Tanner Swanson); his brother, Roger Toews, and his wife, Mary, son John Gregory Toews and daughter April Marquez (sons - AJ, Aaron, and Adam Marquez), as well as many friends and family members, who loved him dearly.

Dutch's children and family would like to thank A Golden Heart Family Care’s owner, Michelle Ligon, and her staff for the exceptional care they provided to Dutch. Also, special thanks and appreciation to the staff from Hallmark ALF and Mission Hospice Services of Bakersfield that provided care and support for Dutch.

Memorial service for John “Dutch” Robert Toews will be held promptly 12:30pm on March 26, 2026, at Bakersfield National Cemetery 30338 E. Bear Mountain Blvd. in Arvin, CA 93203. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at Legends, 7900 Downing Ave. in Bakersfield, CA.