Karlene Ann Gartzke

Karlene “Kerry” Ann Gartzke, 89, of Wilmington, Ohio, was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven on August 10, 2025. Born February 10, 1936, in Los Angeles, California, Kerry grew up as a California girl, full of sunshine and spirit. At age 11, while attending Brown Girls Boarding School in California, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior — a moment she called the most important of her life.

Kerry attended John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, studying Radio Production. Her time there was among the happiest of her life, and she was honored to be voted Most Popular and the beautiful Campus Queen by her peers. There she met the love of her life, Donald Graham Gartzke, a Korean War veteran and star athlete. Their short courtship blossomed into a 54-year marriage filled with friendship, devotion, and six beautiful children: Dana (Joy), Kym (Rick), Heather (Tim), Stephanie, Beth (Mitch), and Andrew. She was blessed with 17 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way.

Life with Don took Kerry and their children across the U.S. — from Arkansas, Colorado, Maryland, Connecticut, Michigan, and Florida — before settling for over 23 years on the North Shore of Boston in Ipswich, Massachusetts. There, they created traditions and memories that will live on in the hearts of her family — lobster feasts around the dining table, warm apple spice donuts and cider at Russell’s Farm, ice cream cones by the coast, and summer swims in the icy Atlantic with her grandchildren.

Kerry’s life was rich with creativity and generosity. Kerry was a talented and devoted quilter producing many works of art. Anyone who is lucky to have been given one will consider it an heirloom. Her cooking brought the family together — whether it was her authentic Italian dishes or treasured German recipes passed down through the Gartzke family. She loved teaching her grand and great-grandchildren how to cook. Kerry was an active member of all her churches, especially Grace PCA of Stuart, FL and First Presbyterian of Ipswich, MA, where she shared her love of music and her beautiful, gifted voice to glorify the Lord. She was also an avid reader, a lifelong habit that kept her well-informed and engaging in every conversation. Kerry’s wanderlust took her around the world, she loved road trips throughout the U.S. with her children and grandchildren creating enduring memories. Her favorite trip was Christmas in London, she said it was magical. She adored the water, was a strong swimmer, and proudly outlasted her grandkids in water-treading competitions. She was also the queen of cozy — her grandchildren’s favorite pastime was snuggling in her big king bed to watch beloved period films like Pride and Prejudice, What's up Doc, Emma, and Sense and Sensibility,  In fact, one great-granddog bears the name “Bingley” in honor of these sweet memories.

The last fifteen years of Kerry’s life were spent in Ohio after Donald’s passing, where she lived with her daughter Kym, son-in-law Rick, and two great-granddaughters, Paige and Morghan. She delighted in watching the girls grow into beautiful young women and treasured the daily rhythm of family life. Evenings often found her in the kitchen preparing delicious dinners or gathered at the table for spirited card games — where she earned a reputation as quite the card shark.

Kerry deeply loved her final years surrounded by family. She thrived on the closeness, the laughter, and the shared moments that filled her days. Kym dedicated herself to caring for her dear mother with devotion, ensuring she was surrounded with love, and comfort. In the end, Kerry passed away peacefully, with her family by her side.

Above all, Kerry was a woman of unwavering faith. She loved Jesus deeply and lived each day in a way that honored Him. Her well-worn Bible — filled with highlights and notes — stands as a testament to her devotion and joy in studying God’s word. She was also a steadfast friend, one who showed up with kindness, encouragement, and a listening ear.

Kerry’s love, strength, and faith leave an indelible mark on her family and friends. She will be remembered for her warmth, her laughter, her hospitality, and the way she made everyone feel like they belonged.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church, 1920 U.S. 22 West, Wilmington, Ohio.

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