Warren Gatzke, 95, of Gladstone, Oreg., formerly of Big Piney, Wyo., passed away peacefully on Sunday, Aug. 27.
Warren Robert Gatzke, son of Robert and Emma Gatzke, was born on April 27, 1928, in Valley Stream, NY.
He is survived by his two sons Ronald (Patti) Gatzke and Michael (Lorraine) Gatzke, four grandchildren, Allison (Gudmund) Lee, Andrea (Cris) Gatzke, Bryce (Aimee) Gatzke, and Elyce (Brandon) Griffith, and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Corrine Hopkins, and wives Brunhilde (Von Keutz), Hilda Parrish and Doris (Brown).
Warren grew up in Valley Stream and Godeffroy, NY, joined the Army in 1946 and was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. While in Germany, he met and married Brunhilde Von Keutz.
After his honorable discharge and a short time in New Mexico, they made their home in Stratford, Conn. Warren worked as an over-the-road truck driver until his retirement in 1988.
Warren was a resident of Big Piney, Wyo., for 12 years before his move to the Pacific Northwest to be near his family. He could be found daily at the Southwest Sublette County Pioneer Senior Citizen Center where he enjoyed a good meal, social time and a game of pool.
Warren was also an avid model railroader with setups in several of his homes. Warren discovered his artistic talent later in life and gifted a number of his “masterpieces” to the senior center. He attended the Community Congregational Church in Big Piney. He will be missed by many.
