Mr. Gerald "Gerry" Arthur Gatschene

GATSCHENE, Gerald Arthur – It is with sadness that his family announces Gerald’s passing peacefully at home, with his wife by his side, on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at the age of 80 years. Beloved husband and cherished life partner to Ruth (nee Seiler) for 59 years. Loving father of Gary Albert Gatschene and his wife Mary and Gail Ann Kress and her husband Robert.

Proud grandfather of Robert G., Julie, Scott and Sarah. One of 11 children, Gerald is survived by one sister, Marjorie Pietraszko, He is predeceased by his sisters Yvonne Schaefer, Teresa Boehmer, Marcella Bolton, Grace Wagner, Ruth LaCombe, Eleanor Reck and Elvira Keller, his brothers Richard and Clarence Gatschene, and his parents Leo and Bertha (nee Schultz.

The Gatschene Family will receive friends at the Ratz-Bechtel Funeral Home, 621 King Street on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Informal celebration of the life of Gerald Gatschene will be at the Ratz-Bechtel Family Center on Friday from 11:00 to 1:30 p.m.

Special thanks to the Hospice of Waterloo Region volunteers, Comcare (especially Gerry’s dear Bobbi), Care Partners, Community Care Access Center, to Dr. Donna Ward and Dr. Fortin and their dedicated teams for their expertise and compassion. As expressions of sympathy donations to the Grand River Regional Cancer Center greatly appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.ratzbechtelfuneralhome.com