Betty Ann Gattiker

Betty Ann (Sturm) Gattiker, age 88, of Wausau, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully, at home, on August 3, 2025.

Betty was born on July 2,1937 in Wausau to the late Edgar and Irma (Schewe) Sturm. Betty graduated from Wausau High School in 1955. She was married to the late Harry E. Gattiker of Marietta, Georgia, September 3,1960, at First English Lutheran Church (Wausau). Betty was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law, niece, aunt, sister, cousin, and friend whose warmth and kindness touched everyone she met. She lived her life with a positive outlook, often reminding her children that others face even greater challenges. People were naturally drawn to her unassuming manner, and she had a smile for everyone. Despite having dementia and being diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer, July 2022, she remained grateful and positive. Up until the very end she was socially and physically active, enjoying spending time with family and friends.

Betty supported Harry’s career, which required the family to relocate multiple times. She coordinated moves to Indiana, Ohio, Utah, and Georgia. Betty especially enjoyed the outdoors and found beauty and joy in each place that she lived, as well as making lifelong friends along the way. She would comment that it was good to be back home in Wausau, returning in 2019 after Harry's passing. She loved those walks along the Wisconsin river, reminiscing about her childhood days, including walking from her home on 6th Ave, to Zion Lutheran School, with her brother.

Betty was an active member of the Lutheran Church, actively involved in many different capacities. Most recently, she was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wausau.

Before marrying, Betty worked at Wausau Floral, Eastern Airlines, and Employers Mutual of Wausau. After her children grew older, she was employed as a travel agent in Salt Lake City, Utah, and later worked at Northside Hospital in Marietta, Georgia until her retirement.

Betty is survived by her three children: Linda (David) Jancik of Naperville, Illinois; Tracy Gattiker of Wausau, Wisconsin; and Eric (Terry) Gattiker of Athens, Georgia. She also leaves behind six grandchildren: Bryant Jancik, Derek Jancik, Kirsten (RJ) Konsoer, Jasper Gattiker, Emily (Ben) Gulick, and Patrick Gattiker. Three great-grandchildren: Logan, Riley, and Delaney Konsoer. She is survived by her brother, Gene (Janet) Sturm, of Weston, Wisconsin, as well as six nieces and nephews residing in Wausau, Weston, and Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; Austin, Texas; and Boise, Idaho.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 930 Edgewood Road, Wausau. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM, prior to the 11:00 service. Rev. Natalie Bassett will be officiating. Inurnment will take place at Restlawn Memorial Park. 

Betty's family would like to thank all the individuals who provided care and support to our mom and family, from the health care providers to: the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), who helped us navigate her dementia journey, providing education, support, resources and opportunities, including the monthly Memory Cafe; the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum SPARK program; the Homme Adult Day Center where Betty participated for 3 years; and most recently, the Elder-Well Adult Day Program, upon its opening in March 2025.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to cancer or Alzheimer's research.

Ascend Funeral Home and Cremation Care of Weston is assisting the Gattiker Family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ascendweston.org.