William Robert Gatzke

Gatzke, William Robert William Robert Gatzke passed away at his home in Waupun, Wisconsin on September 29, 2017, at the age of 70. He was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Judith (Marks) Gatzke and his sister, Jean Marie (Gatzke) Reinke. William was born in Milwaukee and lived in New Berlin and Watertown before moving to Waupun in 1990. He was the oldest of seven siblings and is survived by Thomas (Mary) Gatzke of Watertown; David (Rhonda) Gatzke of Martinsville, Indiana; Susan (Michael) Pellett of Grand Prairie, Texas; Lee (Debra) Gatzke of Lake Mills; James (Eliesha) Gatzke of New Berlin; many nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives, and his dear friend, Gloria Henning of Beaver Dam. William was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He served in the U.S. Air Force for four years, attaining the rank of sergeant. He attended the University of Wisconsin but chose to become a cabinet maker, working for several years as the Ship's Carpenter on the historic Delta Queen steamship. He then started his own business, building beautiful furniture that displayed his tremendous skill and craftsmanship. He also loved being outdoors and spent many of his happiest hours with his brothers and other friends, hunting and fishing. Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM- 2:30 PM on Saturday, October 7, 2017, at Schmutzler-Vick Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 500 Welsh Rd, Watertown, WI 53098, followed by a service and military honor guard presentation. William will be interred in Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in King, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in William's memory to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45250-0301, online at www.dav.org or to a charity of your choice. On-line condolences may be sent at www.watertownwifuneral home.com.