Karlyn Gatzke

Karlyn (Peterson) Gatzke, 65, passed away on Friday, September 5, 2025. She was born the daughter of Vern and Loretta (Merila) Peterson on February 11, 1960 in Superior, WI.

In her younger years, she enjoyed figure skating lessons and spending time at the family cabin on Bony Lake water-skiing, sunbathing and taking saunas as well as snowmobiling in the winter months. She graduated from Superior Senior High School in 1978. She spent most of her adult life taking pride in hard work within the food service industry including owning and operating Downtown Barnes (bar and restaurant) in Barnes, WI for almost 20 years. She was proud of her children’s involvement in Drummond High School sports programs and avidly attended all their sporting events. Later in life, she enjoyed living in Montana for several years with her husband Harold and working at Glacier National Park. When they returned to Wisconsin, she spent countless hours creating a beautiful garden space at their home with flowers, fruit and vegetables. She continued her love of cooking her entire life providing home cooked meals to her mother Loretta and spoiled her grandchildren with treats and gifts.

Karlyn is survived by her husband, Harold Gatzke; children Jacob (Alicia) Schiess and Jamie (Matt Pohlman) Schiess; grandchildren Elizabeth, Phoenix and Luna Schiess; mother Loretta Peterson, sister-in-law Doreen Peterson; and nephews, Michael, Aaron, and Jordan.

She is preceded in death by her father, Vern Peterson; brothers Michael and Gary Peterson; and sister-in-law Kay Peterson.

A Celebration of Karlyn’s Life will be held from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Cedar Lodge, 3760 County Hwy N, in Barnes.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please contact www.lenroot-maetzold.com.