Leola E. Gatzke

Leola Gatzke (1949-2021) passed away suddenly on October 12, 2021. She was the heart of our tight-knit family and she will be missed more than she will ever know.

Lee is survived by her husband, Rich, of 49 years, and her 2 children Trish (Bryan) Sato and Kevin (Carrie) Gatzke. She was the very best Mom, Gaga, Sister-in-Law, Aunt, and Friend to so many. She was happiest when talking about her Grandchildren, Cate & Lily Sato, and Henry Gatzke. They were the loves of her life, and she was so proud of each of them.

She will forever be a star to all of us and guide us through our lives forever.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Stray Rescue of St. Louis, https://www.strayrescue.org.

For those who knew Lee, this is the perfect way to remember her.

5 Comments

  1. Susan Lovellette on October 18, 2021 at 5:03 pm

    Beautiful picture of Lee and Rich. Lee was a dear friend who I met over 40 years ago at AT&T. I will always treasure the memories and laughter. Lee LOVED her little family, both human and fur babies.
    Prayers for Rich, Trish and her family, Kevin and his family. Rest In Peace Lee.
    “The stars will go out before I forget you.”
    Love, Susan Lovellette



  2. Mary Ann Pousosa on October 19, 2021 at 10:41 am

    Where do I begin to explain what a wonderful
    Dear friend Lee was to to Joe and I. She was
    So sweet snd caring. She was a wonderful person inside and out. We go back 60 plus years. We went to grade school and High
    School together. She was in our wedding too.
    Lee was like a sister to me and I love her
    Very much. Our love and condolences to our
    Dear friend Rich Trish Brian and the girls and
    Kevin Maria and Henry. God bless you and your family during this very difficult time.



  3. Eileen Daniels on October 22, 2021 at 1:00 pm

    I worked with Lee many years ago at AT&T and I could tell how much she loved her family by the stories she told. Lee is one of the sweetest and kindest person I’ve ever met. Sympathy and prayers to all of the family.

    RIP Lee.



  4. Marva and Dan Heumann on October 23, 2021 at 1:13 pm

    My wife and I have known Lee and Rich for many years and in fact, they attended our 50th anniversary back in July of this year. We will certainly miss Lee and her personality and we wish Rich a speedy recovery. I can’t think of a nicer couple. Marva and Dan Heumann



  5. Susan Fulton and the Checkered Cottage girls on November 3, 2021 at 10:59 pm

    Our hearts are heavy at Checkered Cottage as we learned of the sudden death of Lee. Her bright smile and wonderful support of our shop will always be a treasured memory. She encouraged Rich to participate in many classes at the shop. Our hearts, love, and hugs go out to Rich and the family. The Checkered Cottage crew – Susan, Robyn, Linda, Laura, Barb, Jan, Amy, and Mary.



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