BRIAN THOMAS GATZA, age 68, of Casper, Wyoming, passed away after a lingering illness on May 18, 2024, at the Northern Colorado Medical Center in Greeley, Colorado.
Brian was born in Bay City, Michigan, to Harold John Gatza, Sr. and Norma Anne Gatza nee Moquin, on July 5, 1955. He graduated from Bay City Central High School in 1974. He briefly attended Delta College before starting his career with General Motors, where he worked for 30 years.
Brian enjoyed working with wood, whether it was cutting down trees to make firewood or working lumber into useful pieces. When he retired from General Motors in 2006, he moved to Casper, Wyoming, and started a small home business called Lumber to Luxuries. Through this business he did home repair/remodeling, custom furniture, and craft fair items.
Brian was a born-again Christian and delighted in the Bible study his church, Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church, sponsored on Wednesday mornings. He developed many close relationships in this group of men.
Brian is survived by his wife, Linda Jean Barrett Gatza, of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania; his daughter, Rebecca Andrea Nedved, and her two sons, Justin Steven Thomas Nedved and Connor Ian Daniel Nedved of Sheridan; his son, Peter Benjamin Barrett Gatza of Casper; his brother, Hal Gatza of Bay City, Michigan (Karrie Gatza); his brother, Scot Gatza of Midland, Michigan (Vickie Gatza), sister-in-law Ann Gatza; his aunt Sister Julie Gatza; his uncle Charles Gatza (Margaret). He is also survived by his nephews and nieces, Erin (Janowicz), R.J., Kelsey (Wilkins), Austin, and Logan, and his brother-in-law, Daniel Barrett.
He is predeceased by his parents, Harold John Gatza, Sr. & Norma Anne Moquin and his stepmother, Carol Peers; his brothers, Eric Joseph and Robert John, his nephew, Brad Charles, and his in-laws: Jesse MacLemore Barrett and Catherine Froelich Barrett.
Funeral services to be held at Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 10:00 AM, with Pastor Jack Olsen officiating.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Brad C. Gatza Memorial Scholarship Fund, the American Diabetes Association or The Wyoming Rescue Mission.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
600 CY Avenue, Casper, WY 82601
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
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