Elda (Lolmaugh) Gatz

Elda M. Gatz, 75, died Tuesday (May 18, 2004) at Newton Medical Center.

She was born Feb. 3, 1929, to Chester and Mary (Kater) Lolmaugh in Newton. They preceded her in death. She married George Gatz Oct. 9, 1949, in Newton. He preceded her in death Jan. 17, 1996.

She was a member of Salem United Methodist Church in Newton. She belonged to the Wibands group and worked in the nursery at the church. She looked forward to her winter retreats in South Texas. She volunteered at Knapp Memorial Hospital and a local elementary school in Weslaco, Texas. She also volunteered at Newton Medical Center. She stayed very connected to her community. She was a good caregiver who was willing to help her friends and family any way she could. She enjoyed gardening, playing cards and traveling.

Survivors include: a daughter, Frances Gatz and Roger Telschow of Washington, D.C.; three sons, Gary Gatz and wife Elizabeth and Max Gatz and wife Jill, all of Newton, and Marvin Gatz of Sacramento, Calif.; and nine grandchildren.

Visitation will be until 9 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday at Petersen Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Friday at Salem United Methodist Church with the Rev. Lynn Sifrit officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Memorials have been established with Trinity Heights Respite Care and Salem United Methodist Church, both in care of the funeral home.

Newton Kansan, May 20, 2004