DUDLEY - Stella V. (Pikul) Gatzke, 94, formerly of Corbin Road, died Sunday, December 23, in the University of Massachusetts Hospital, Worcester. Her husband, Edward O. Gatzke, died in 1973.
She is survived by 5 children, Edward A. Gatzke and his wife Rosalie of St. Augustine, FL, Malcon P. Gatzke of Dudley, Natalie P. Tenny and her husband Dale of Longmont, CO, Valarie G. Gatzke of Charlton, and Melvin J. Gatzke and his wife Roberta of Dudley; a brother, Joseph Pikul of Charlton; a sister, Wanda Antos of Dudley; 13 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Raymond C. Gatzke, in 1968 and by two brothers, Stanley and Theodore Pikul.
She was born in Southbridge, a daughter of Joseph and Anna (Rusiecka) Pikul, and lived on the family farm in Dudley. She graduated from Bartlett High school in Webster.
Farming was Mrs. Gatzke’s passion in life. She managed and worked the family farm for over 70 years while working simultaneously at the woolen mills in North Grosvenordale, CT, and later at Sandlerette Shoe Company and Webster Shoe, both in Webster.
A private graveside service will be held in Corbin Cemetery at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. Donations in her memory may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 70 South Main Street, Oxford, MA 01540. Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, 340 School Street, Webster, is directing the arrangements.