Dellos D. Gaatz

Dellos Dean Gaatz, age 83, of Redgranite, died Thursday morning, February 5th as the result of an automobile accident in the Township of Rushford, Winnebago County.

He was born February 23, 1942 in Berlin, the son of Harvey H. and Phyllis (Pfeil) Gaatz. He married the former Genevieve C. Hoppa on Sept 2nd, 1961. She preceded him in death on Sept 16th, 1996. Later, he married Joan Mary (Oleson) Klappa. She died on February 2, 2025.

Dellos was a graduate of Wautoma High School and attended 2 years of college studying Stenography. He worked as a Stenographer for the medical examiner’s office of Milwaukee County for 27 years.

Before his untimely death, Dellos kept busy with many things and was hard to find. At 5 am you would find him eating breakfast with Harold and friends at the Curve Inn. Then he was off to drive people to their medical appointments for Waushara County and he frequently drove his cherished Amish group at all hours of the day. While doing this, he picked up and repaired pallets and enjoyed his time maintaining his flowers and property on Pearl Lake. He also made, gifted and donated beautiful Christmas wreaths and crosses for family, friends and others. He also made a wooden game called Marbles which he loved to make and play with friends. In between this chaotic schedule, he attended sporting events for his grandchildren.

He was an active member at St. Mark’s Catholic church in Redgranite and was a board member of the parish council. He was active with the Redgranite Senior center.

He is survived by four children: David (Shelly) Gaatz, Menomonee Falls, Brian (Dawn) Gaatz, Queen City, TX, Patrick Gaatz, Delavan, Michael (Sarah) Gaatz, Lisbon; six grandchildren: Zachary (Charr) Gaatz, Alexis (Kyra) Morris-Gaatz, Brynna Gaatz, Madilynn (Andy) Jaszewski, Addison Gaatz and Ian Gaatz; special brother-in-law, Harold (Mike) Featherston, Berlin. He is further survived by other relatives and many friends. In addition to both of his wives, he was preceded in death by his parents and by one brother, Terry Gaatz.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, February 11th at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Redgranite. A luncheon will follow. Relatives and friends may greet the family at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, February 12th at 11:30 a.m. at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Milwaukee. (Please meet at the main office gate).