Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
628 North Broadway
Saratoga Springs, New York
William Gnatek Obituary
October 2, 1934 - October 12, 2025
SARATOGA SPRINGS - William H. Gnatek (Bill) of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., 91, passed away at home on Sunday, October 12, 2025, after a long illness.
Bill was born in Chicago, Ill., on October 2, 1934, to the late, William Richard Gnatek and Gertrude Niemeyer Gnatek.
Bill was orphaned at age six, spent four years in the Chicago Foster Care system, then a brief period with his Gnatek grandmother. A highly intelligent boy, he was inpatient with school and left Chicago at age 13 to hitchhike south to find work.
He spent the next few years working for food and lodging all over the US. At age 16, he applied for the draft using a fictitious date of birth so he could obtain an ID. That ID was a draft card. He was drafted at age 17 and joined the Marines. Through the Marines, he achieved a GED. After his discharge, he studied Economics at the College of DuPage.
Bill's career in sales/management was concentrated in the tissue paper business. He worked for national paper firms, then in 1985 he moved to the Saratoga area to become the VP of Sales for Stevens & Thompson Paper Company in Greenwich, N.Y. When that was sold to Sofco, Inc., he managed the tissue paper sales for Sofco /SQP, retiring in 2005.
Throughout Bill's career, he was an inspiration to all who worked for him. He encouraged, guided and advised his salespeople to be their best. He will be warmly remembered by all.
Bill is survived by his wife of 27 years, Karen Landau-Gnatek; six of his seven children, Bill, David Joe, Judy, Laura and Cathy Gnatek; five grandchildren, Ramie, Stephanie, Lauren, Julia and Bek. Bill is also survived by his three stepchildren, Mark Landau, Sarah Landau-Halgas and Matthew Landau- his step-grandchildren, Emily, Alex, Deven and Jaithin Landau.
Relatives and friends are invited to call from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 19, 2025, followed by a celebration of life at 5 p.m. at the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to send a donation in Bill's memory to the Saratoga Community Hospice at www.communityhospice.org, or 310 South Manning Blvd. Albany, NY 12208. 518-482-4433. They were a godsend to us.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes
628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
518-584-5373
Memories and Condolences
for William Gnatek
Sponsored by William J. Burke & Sons / Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes.
5 Entries
Amy Holub
October 18, 2025
What an amazing man and an amazing life he lived! I was always happy to get his text at 6:30pm for a 7:15pm reservation on the patio on Travers ! He will forever be our VIP! ♥
Lois Myers (Rokjer)
October 18, 2025
Karen, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know how much you and Bill adored each other. Sending you prayers and love.
William (Duffy) Kearney
October 17, 2025
Bill was a great person and friend. He was instrumental in getting my business going. By passing along my name to his friends and business associates. I will always be forever grateful to Bill for being a such a great person and friend. Duffy Kearney
Marilyn Trombley
October 16, 2025
Karen~ I am so sorry to hear this, but at the same time I am happy for him as he is no longer suffering. Call me if you need to talk. Bill was an extremely brilliant man with a great sense of humor. I am sure he will be missed by so many people.
Timothy M Cassidy
October 15, 2025
Karen- I remember Bill as a man of infinite wisdom. I enjoyed hearing his take on everything in life when we worked at the mill. I am so sorry for your loss.
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in William Gnatek's name
Memorial Events
for William Gnatek
Oct
19
Funeral services provided by:
William J. Burke & Sons / Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
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 moreResources 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 William Gnatek'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
