Karlyn Gatzke Obituary
In her younger years, she enjoyed figure skating lessons and spending time at the family cabin on Bony Lake water-skiing, sunbathing and taking saunas as well as snowmobiling in the winter months. She graduated from Superior Senior High School in 1978. She spent most of her adult life taking pride in hard work within the food service industry including owning and operating Downtown Barnes (bar and restaurant) in Barnes, WI for almost 20 years. She was proud of her children's involvement in Drummond High School sports programs and avidly attended all their sporting events. Later in life, she enjoyed living in Montana for several years with her husband Harold and working at Glacier National Park. When they returned to Wisconsin, she spent countless hours creating a beautiful garden space at their home with flowers, fruit and vegetables. She continued her love of cooking her entire life providing home cooked meals to her mother Loretta and spoiled her grandchildren with treats and gifts.
Karlyn is survived by her husband, Harold Gatzke; children Jacob (Alicia) Schiess and Jamie (Matt Pohlman) Schiess; grandchildren Elizabeth, Phoenix and Luna Schiess; mother Loretta Peterson, sister-in-law Doreen Peterson; and nephews, Michael, Aaron, and Jordan.
She is preceded in death by her father, Vern Peterson; brothers Michael and Gary Peterson; and sister-in-law Kay Peterson.
A Celebration of Karlyn's Life will be held from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Cedar Lodge, 3760 County Hwy N, in Barnes.
The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please contact www.lenroot-maetzold.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1209 E. 5th Street, Superior, WI 54880
People and places connected with Karlyn
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Karlyn Gatzke
Make a Donation
in Karlyn Gatzke's name
How to support Karlyn's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Karlyn Gatzke's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more