Peter "Pete" T. Gatke, 67, of 1817 N. CR 400E, Warsaw, died at 1:32 p.m. Nov. 3, 2009, in his residence.
He was born Feb. 14, 1942, in Warsaw, to Donald E. and Lucile Andrus Gatke. His wife, Linda Gatke, survives in Warsaw.
A lifetime Warsaw resident, he worked for the Warsaw Fire Dept. from April 1, 1976, to June 30, 1998. His ratings include first class firefighter; second class firefighter; master firefighter; fire inspector certification; fire investigator certification; and he served as fire inspector for 10 years, retiring June 30, 1998. He was a former board of directors member of Cardinal Center Inc.; a member of the Fire Inspectors Association of Indiana and Kosciusko County Fireman's Association; and was a former volunteer firefighter for the Winona Lake Fire Dept.
Also surviving are two daughters, Misty (and spouse Mike) Wagley, Warsaw, and Tammy (and spouse Reiner) Blessing, Tega Cay, S.C.; a stepdaughter, Brigette (and spouse Darren) Young, Warsaw; a stepson, Eddy Slone, Tampa, Fla.; four brothers: Dennis M. (and spouse Janice) Gatke, Angola; Edward A. (and spouse Betty) Gatke, Fort Wayne; Tom (and spouse Connie) Gatke, Mt. Vernon; and Curt Gatke, Warsaw; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Greg "Skip" Gatke.
Services and burial will be private.
McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, 2290 Provident Court, Warsaw, is in charge of arrangements.
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Memorials to the Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County, 3489 E. CR 100S, Warsaw, IN 46580.
Condolences may be sent to mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com
