Gerald Otto Gatzke

Gerald “Jerry” Gatzke passed away Thursday, October 8, 2020 at his home in Pine City at the age of 75.

Gerald Otto Gatzke was born January 27, 1945 to Otto & Lucille Gatzke at St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota.  Gerald was the oldest of four boys.

In his early years Jerry was active in his church, Boy Scouts and played nearly every sport throughout his school and college years.  In his senior year at North St. Paul High School he was named “Athlete of the Year”.   Jerry went on to graduate college from Lawrence University and Dental School at the University of Minnesota.  While attending Lawrence University he met Marilee, who was the love of his life. They were married 52 years and were blessed with three sons, two daughters-in-law, one granddaughter, and three grandsons.

For 38 years Jerry owned and operated his own dental practice in Prescott, Wisconsin. Upon his retirement, he and Marilee moved to Pine City. On September 13th Jerry was taken to the hospital with respiratory symptoms and discovered that cancer had metastasized to his lungs and liver.  He returned home on hospice, where he was loved and cared for by his family.  Jerry will forever be remembered for his servant heart and the passion he had for sharing the love of Jesus with children. 

Jerry is survived by his loving wife Marilee Gatzke of Pine City; children: Jeremy (Hillary) Gatzke of Thailand, Justin (Erika) Gatzke of Lakeville, Joseph Gatzke of Pine City; grandchildren:  Raymond, Rudy, Gretchen and Croix; siblings: Kenneth Gatzke, Richard Gatzke and Glenn Gatzke; many other relatives and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Otto and Lucille Gatzke.

Pastor Joe Gatzke will officiate at memorial services for Gerald:  1 PM Sunday, October 11^th at the Pine City Evangelical Free Church in Pine City.  Interment will take place at Birchwood Cemetery in Pine City. 

The Memorial Service for Jerry will be held outside on the NW side of the church.  Provided seating will be limited, if possible please bring a chair.  The family thanks you for wearing a mask and practicing social distancing.

Arrangements are entrusted to:  Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City ~ Swanson Chapel

www.FuneralAndCremationService.com