Judith A. Marks Gatzke

Judith A. Marks Gatzke, 92, of Waupun, formerly of New Berlin, died Monday, August 8, 2016 at her residence.

In 1924 Mrs. Gatzke’s Merchant Mariner father announced her birth. “A new ship has arrived. The Judith Alita Marks was launched from the Beaver Dam Hospital shipyard at high tide on Saturday morning, March 29, 1924.” She has begun a new voyage and her family remembers the words of Enoch Powell: “If my ship sails from sight, it doesn’t mean my journey ends. It simply means the river bends.”

She is survived by her sons: William of Waupun, Thomas (Mary) of Watertown, David (Rhonda) of Indianapolis, IN, Lee (Debra) of Lake Mills, and James (Eliesha) of New Berlin; daughter, Susan Pellett (Michael) of Grand Prairie, TX; 19 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Geraldine Tatham of Edgewater, FL; and brother, David Marks of Nevada City, CA.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, LeRoy Gatzke and her daughter, Jean Gatzke Reinke.

Friends and relatives may call on the family on Saturday at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of service.



Funeral services for Judith will be be held Saturday, August 13, 2016 at 11 a.m. at

Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home

in Waupun with Rev. Gary Miller officiating.


Burial will follow at

Forest Mound Cemetery

in Waupun.