Delores L. "Dee" Gatzow

Delores "Dee" Lucille Gatzow, age 85, of Iron Mountain, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Dee was born November 18, 1940, in Iron Mountain to Albert "Spike" and Margaret "Getina" (Cavalieri) Backlund. She graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1959. Dee married Arthur "Artie" Gatzow on August 13, 1960, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Iron Mountain. Artie preceded her in death on June 16, 1986.

Dee is survived by her son, Michael (Monica) Gatzow of Florence, Wisconsin; son-in law, Ric Whiting of Sobieski, Wisconsin; grandchildren Michaela (Kameron) Johnson of Rhinelander, Wisconsin; Mariah (Mohammed) Gatzow Mayaleh of Champlain, Minnesota; Nathan Whiting and Nicholas Whiting of Sobieski, Wisconsin; and great grandson Khalil Mayaleh; sister Ann (Dan) McMahon of Iron Mountain; brother in-law Doug Allen of Kingsford; sister in-law Sandy Tryber of Oak Creek, Wisconsin and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Dee was preceded in death by her brother, Ronald Backlund; sister, Joyce Allen; and daughter, Kim Whiting.

Dee was proud of her Italian and Swedish heritage and enjoyed making a variety of delicious Italian pastas for her family and friends. Christmas Eve dinner was always at Dee's house where she served stuffed shells, gnocchi and, of course, Oliva's Italian sausage. During the holidays, she delighted loved ones with her famous cookies and pastries-including pizzelles and biscotti, which she gifted to many, and she always made spritz cookies for her sister, Joyce. Dee's favorite place to visit was Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula, especially Copper Harbor. She cherished the many camping trips she took there with her husband and children in her younger years and later with her daughter Kim and family in their motor home. Known for her generosity, Dee gave freely to those she knew, strangers in need, and to multiple charities. Dee maintained a strong faith relationship with the Lord and prayed daily for those she loved and those in need. She rarely missed her daily phone call with her sister, Ann.

The family extends special thanks to Dr. Kenneth Friar and the staff at Marshfield Dickinson Hospital for their exceptional care and support, as well as Dr. Ellen VanLaanen for years of dedicated care.

A private service and burial will be held at a later date per Dee's wishes. In the spirit of Dee's generosity and to honor her life, the family requests that you make a donation of your time, talent, or money to a person in need or a charity.

Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Dee's family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com

The family has chosen Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Iron Mountain, Mich., to honor Dee's legacy of life.