Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Don Thomas Gatke, 81, of Westport, passed away at 7:44 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, at his residence.
He was born on Feb. 7, 1944, in Warsaw, the son of Don Edward and Lucile Andrus Gatke. Don was born in Warsaw and raised in Winona Lake and moved to Jennings County in 1971. He was a teacher and football coach and retired in 2000 from the Jennings County Community Schools after 30 years of service. He was a member of the American Legion Post #49 in Warsaw. Don enjoyed farming along with soil and timber conservation.
He was a Vietnam veteran having served with the United States Marine Corp.
Don married Connie Lee Heiman on June 11, 1971, in Winona Lake, and she survives.
Other survivors include his daughter, Carrie (Steve) Long, of Versailles; and his son, Shannon Gatke (Melanie Hardin), of Madison; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers: Denny, Ed, Pete Skip and Curt Gatke.
Following his wishes there will be no service or visitation. Bass & Gasper Funeral Home and Crematory in Westport have been entrusted with handling the arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Westport or Scipio Fire Departments through the funeral home.
Online condolences can be made to the family at www.bassgasper.com.
