DUDLEY – Kenneth L. “Big Man” Gatzke, Sr., 57, died Thursday, August 5, 2021 at home after being stricken ill.
He leaves his wife of 30 years, Christine M. (Lavallee) Gatzke; 2 sons, Kenneth L. Gatzke, Jr. and his wife Alexandra of Charlton and George S. Makara III of Spencer; 2 daughters, Tara M. Makara of Charlton and Samantha M. Collazo and her husband Xavier of North Grosvenordale, CT; 3 grandchildren; his mother, Valarie G. “Vale” Gatzke of Charlton; 3 sisters, Maureen Tomaski and her husband Joseph of Texas, Kimberly Tardiff and her husband Randy of Meriden, CT, and Kristine Kirkbride of Herman, ME; nephews, nieces and cousins.
He was born in Southbridge on November 22, 1963 and lived in Dudley all his life. He graduated from Oxford High School in 1981.
Mr. Gatzke was a farmer at the family farm all his working life. He was known in the area for producing the very best hay for horses. A man of many talents, he was mechanically inclined and enjoyed working on his Ford trucks and tractors.
He was a caring and lovable person who will be missed by many. His love was the land.
A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, August 20, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the American Legion Hall, 9 Houghton St., Webster. Arrangements are under the direction of Sitkowski, Malboeuf & Hickey Funeral Home, 340 School Street, Webster.