June 28, 1954 – Monday, August 3, 2015
Service Information
Buffalo Presbyterian Church-Buffalo, MN
Saturday, August 8, 2015
11:30 A.M.
Visitation Information
AT THE CHURCH
Saturday, August 8, 2015
9:00 A.M. till time of service
David Alan Gatzke was born June 28, 1954 in St. Paul, MN. He died peacefully, after a short and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, at his home in Buffalo on August 3, 2015 with his loving family at his side.
On July 27, 1991 Dave married Jill Bemis of Marietta, MN, at the Fort Snelling Chapel.
Dave grew up in St. Paul, graduating from Harding High School in 1972. He continued his education at the St. Paul College, graduating with a culinary degree. He worked as a chef at Ramada Inn, St. Paul and Paul’s Place in Roseville. Dave continued his career working as the purchasing agent at the Radisson Hotel in Minnetonka and the Radisson South Hotel in Bloomington. In 1989 he went to the Carlson Company headquarters in Plymouth and worked in the Strategic Sourcing Dept. as a Sr. Director until 2012. Dave then started his own consulting business, working for Best Western Hotels up until his death.
Dave enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved all the wonderful summer days that were spent at home in the swimming pool and at the family cabin on Clearwater Lake, fishing and relaxing!
Preceded in death by parents Alfred Gatzke and Elsie Gatzke Slack, step-father Floyd Slack, niece Rachel Langdon, and parents-in-law Art and Jean Bemis.
Survived by his wife Jill, his children, Michelle (Doug) Strom, Zimmerman, MN, Alex and Katie Gatzke, both students at St. Cloud State University, grandchildren Joey and Ashley Strom, sister Diane (Kent) Langdon, Oshkosh, WI, step-siblings, Barb Huddle, Marie (Chris) Boon, Michael Slack, in-laws, Brad Bemis and David Jericoff, Lorrie and Greg Kuglin, Bill and Shirley Bemis, Bob and Dodie Bemis, Cyndy and Craig Johnson, and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A celebration of Dave’s life will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2015 at the Buffalo Presbyterian Church, Buffalo, MN. Visitation will take place at 9am with the service following at 11:30am.
I know Dave will be missed by many as he was a wonderful person. I am so glad we were able to meet for dinner a few weeks ago. My sympathy to all of the family.
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers.
My deepest sympathies go out to Dave’s family – he will be sorely missed by so many of us. I will always remember him for his patience and kindness.
Our prayers and thoughts go out to you Jill and family as you go through this difficult time in your life. May you find comfort knowing that family and friends are praying for you.
Jill and family, we are keeping you in our prayers and thoughts as you go through this difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers are with David, his family and friends. God Bless.
So sorry to hear of your loss! Dave was a great husband, father and friend. He will be greatly missed! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. The Duske Family
Jill,
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
So sorry for your loss. Dave was a great person and long time friend. He will be greatly missed.
Jill, My deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your husband. You are in my thoughts & prayers. Earlene
I’m so very sorry to hear of David’s passing. My heartfelt condolences go out to all of you. In the summers we would come to Minnesota to visit with our grandparents and I always looked forward to going to Aunt Elsie and Uncle Floyd’s house where we were sure to see Diane and David. If we really timed it well we were able to visit with Barb, Marie and Michael too! Although distance prevented our families from keeping in close contact, I have many happy memories of David and his passing leaves and empty spot.