Henry "Hank" G.

Gartzke

Henry G. "Hank" Gartzke, 86, of Brookings, passed away in Brookings on Jan. 11, 2014, just two days shy of he and his wife, Pat's, 68th wedding anniversary. Hank was born Aug. 16, 1927 in Revillo, South Dakota to Henry J. and Alice (Brygelson) Gartzke. He served briefly in the U.S. Army in 1948. Hank spent 50 years as a cement mason. He married Nellie "Pat" Hendren on Jan. 13, 1946 in Madison, Minn. He was an avid fisherman and loved catching prize salmon off the coast of Brookings. He also liked golfing and bowling. Survivors include his wife, Pat of Brookings, daughters, Patricia Anderson of Kansas, Diana Derfler and her husband, Joe of Brookings, Jeannie Olson and her husband, Robert of Eugene, 13 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren, sister, Arlyce Engen and her husband, Ed of Tualatin, Ore. Henry was preceded in death by his son, James, five brothers and two sisters. At his request, no public ceremony will be held. Redwood Memorial Chapel is assisting the family.