Gretchen Zatzke's Obituary
Mrs. Gretchen (Wittkopp) Zatzke, age 73, passed away Thursday, June 30, in Okemos, MI. She was born April 28, 1938 to Ruth and Ray Terbeek in Muskegon. Gretchen loved art, and while attending Muskegon Sr. High School painted a wall mural which stood until all four of her children completed the same school. She worked for many years at Bev’s Ceramics in Muskegon painting beautiful ceramic pieces. She also taught this love to many others who wanted to learn the art of ceramics. Gretchen loved camping with her children, salmon fishing on Lake Michigan, and most of all spending the holidays with her children and grandchildren. Christmas was her favorite holiday and she would decorate her house with her own beautiful crafted holiday ideas. She is survived by her husband Brent Zatzke of Muskegon. Gretchen had been married to Wallace Wittkopp, who preceded her in death. She is also survived by her four children, Brent Wittkopp, Kari (Tim) Goulet, Tara (Reid) Duplantis, Ronda (Chet) Kroll; eight grandchildren, Nicole, Chris, Daniel Goulet, Meagan and Makayla Duplantis, Chester, Eric, and Andrew Kroll. Gretchen’s kindness and love for family and friends will truly be missed. A Celebration of Gretchen’s life will be held at 12:00 noon Saturday, July 16 at The Walburn Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 1547 W. Sherman Blvd. (231) 759-8565. Visitation with the family will be 1 hour prior to the service. You may sign the family’s online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com Contributions in memory of Gretchen may be made to the Arts and Activity Department of Medical Care Facility Services of Ingham County, 3860 Dobie Rd., Okemos, MI 48864.
What’s your fondest memory of Gretchen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gretchen?
Share a story where Gretchen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gretchen you’ll never forget.
How did Gretchen make you smile?