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Kenneth "Butch" Gartzke

June 30, 1946 ~ June 6, 2026

Born in: Watertown, South Dakota
Resided in: Fargo, North Dakota

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Kenneth L. Gartzke of Fargo passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at HIA Hospice Heather’s House less than a month shy of his 80th birthday.

Ken, known to family as “Butch”, was born June 30, 1946, in Watertown, South Dakota, to Vincent and Marie Gartzke. He graduated from Watertown High School in 1964. After high school, Ken worked at several newspaper and print shops around South Dakota.

While living in Rapid City, he enjoyed “spelunking” or cave exploring and assisted in mapping Jewel Cave. He moved to Fargo in 1981 and continued working in the printing industry, retiring in 2010 from the ND Division of Independent Study.

Ken met Lori Eckhoff while they were both working for different companies in the historic Ford building in downtown Fargo and they were married on May 16, 1992.

Ken was a very social person and loved getting together with friends on the golf course or on the bowling lanes. He also loved genealogy and did extensive work on all lines of his family tree.

His parents, four sisters (Dorothy Antijunti, Shirley Olson, Lorraine Parish and Lois Pickrel) and his son Vincent, precede Ken in death. He is survived by his wife Lori, daughter Marcy, grandson Zackary and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

As per Ken’s wishes, no services are planned. Burial will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery in Watertown, South Dakota at a later date.

Special thanks to the teams at Essentia Health and HIA Hospice for their wonderful and compassionate care.

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  1. We enjoyed spending time with Ken and Lori at the family farm by DeerCreek. He will be missed at family gatherings by all. Rest In Peace Ken.

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  2. Lori, it’s never easy and I am so very sorry for your loss. Please relay by deepest condolences to your entire family. Hugs! Becky Zeise Lovgren

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  3. Bev Coan Class of ‘64 says:
    June 7, 2026

    God had a plan all along when Ken (butch) was born.
    He blessed him and passed him around His people. And for that, we are grateful.
    What a privilege to have known Ken along my journey!

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  4. Thinking of Lori and the family during this difficult time. May the many fond memories and good times had together sustain you and your family. God Bless All.

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  5. Lori, I am so sorry to hear of his passing. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers 💕

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  6. Lori I am so sorry to learn about Ken’s passing. I remember when he first reached out to me many years ago as I was searching for family members from my Dad’s side. He was so full of knowledge and I was thrilled to have a new cousin. It was wonderful to have you two visit Illinois and showing you around our area. I looked forward to receiving the monthly “Robbennolt Family Newsletter”. He was definitely one of a kind and I feel lucky to have gotten to know both of you. Sending you much love and many hugs as you go through this very difficult time. Kathy & Dick Miller

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  7. You will be missed by many Uncle. Family and friends alike. Many great memories of all the family gatherings. Have to smile when I think about the time you took me out for my 21st birthday. Like I said, fond memories. You are with our Lord now and arrived to open arms of our family waiting your arrival. Bless you Butch

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    • Truth was never clearer; You will be missed. Please remember us to all of our other classmates, 1964, who have also slipped through the veil. Help Lori as she grieves your loss. Let her feel the peace and love you felt as you left this place of trial and error, error and forgiveness. Among the other times, I will think of you whenever I work on my own genealogy, clean graves, class reunions, think about good people.

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  8. To the Gartzke family, we send our heartfelt prayers during this time. What a wonderful classmate and friend as we remembered our visit at the 1964 class reunion……….sharing school and life memories. He will be missed by so many who love and appreciated this kind and caring classmate. May God bless you all until we join in Heaven. Classmate Gail

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  9. Lori,
    I am so sorry for your loss. The passing of a husband is very difficult. Always let your friends, relatives, and church family help you to get through the tough times. Thinking of you and praying for your healing.
    Roberta Crouse Carlson

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  10. Ken was a gentle soul with a warm heart, we will miss him dearly. We are many miles away across the pond but he always kept in touch and sent such kind messages to support our little family in the UK. Miss you Ken x

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  11. Lori and family, our condolences are with each one of you during this difficult time. We will all miss Uncle Butch so much! May he rest in peace and may he continue to play golf ⛳️ and be himself in heaven.

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  12. Lori and family, we send our deepest sympathies in the loss of Ken. He will be dearly missed. It all went so quickly. Hold onto those good times and memories to help ease the loss of him. He made such a good effort to connect with people especially our HS class of ’64. May we carry on his legacy!
    Carolyn and Will Wright

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  13. Ken was always a good friend and good neighbor from the years working together at the Division of Independent Study to being the helpful, friendly guy “down the block.” Lori, it was a truly special knowing you both!
    Sharon McGeehan

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  14. Our sincere condolences Lori. Very sad to hear of Ken’s passing. I always enjoyed our visits at the flea markets and we spent some long hours waiting for items to bid on at auctions years ago. No more suffering for Ken. He is in a better place.

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