Theodore “Ted” William Gartzke Jr, 69, of Appleton, passed away peacefully at his home on August 6, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.  Ted always kept a positive attitude and strong faith throughout his 19-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. 

Ted was born on January 10, 1954, to the late Thedore W. Sr and Vivan I. (Hunt) Gartzke in Algoma, WI.   While growing up, Ted enjoyed playing sports and loved the outdoors, spending much of his childhood at the Krohn’s Lake family cottage.  Ted worked as an electrician for 38 years.

Ted married the love of his life, Catherine M. Paul at St. Mary Church, Luxemburg on October 10, 1981. They celebrated a loving union for 41 years. Ted adored family time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He enjoyed family trips, attending his children and grandchildren’s activities, playing cards, and watching the Packers.  Ted would never turn down an ice cream treat, bag of popcorn, or a nap. Throughout his life, Ted maintained his witty sense of humor that lit up the room. 

After many years living in Luxemburg, Ted and Cathy moved to Appleton to be closer to their children.  Ted and Cathy are members of St. Thomas More Catholic Parish.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents Ted Sr and Vivan Gartzke, his sisters Alice Deprey and Carol Bultman, his mother-in-law Doris Paul, his father-in-law Joseph Paul, two brothers-in-law Gene Paul and Dave Dorner.

He is survived by his wife Cathy; children Jonathan (Heather) Gartzke, Jennifer (Mike) Zernzach, and Christine (Tony) Flaig; grandchildren Connor, Christian, Logan, and Brianna Gartzke, Bradley and Ethan Zernzach, Gabrielle and Cora Flaig; his siblings Ralph (Mallory) Gartzke, Karen (Percy) Damrow, Susan (David) Karst, his sisters and brothers-in-law Mary Dorner, Carol (Dennis) Vincent,  Don (Cindy) Paul,  Steve (Jodi) Paul,  Mark (Judi) Paul, and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call between 9:00 and 11:45 am on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at St. Mary Church (Ted’s long-time parish), Luxemburg.  The funeral will be held at NOON, with Rev. Dennis Drury officiating.  Burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Luxemburg.

McMAHON FUNERAL HOME, LUXEMBURG, is assisting the Gartzke Family. www.mcmahonfh.com

The family is forever grateful that Ted could maintain his quality of life at home.  A special thank you to Jody Robl, Mary Dorner, St. Paul’s Elder Services Club Gabriel, and his wife Cathy.    

 In lieu of flowers, a bench will be donated in his memory at his grandchildren’s favorite park.