On March 2, 2025, Gary Richard Gatzka passed away at the Veterans Hospital in Fresno due to complications from pneumonia. His passing leaves a profound void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, and a loyal friend.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Albert Gatzka, his mother, Elaine Skoglund-Gatzka, and his sister, Judy Pack, all of Fresno. He is survived by his beloved wife, Junko Gatzka, with whom he shared a beautiful life filled with love and laughter. He also leaves behind his sons, Jeff Gatzka and Bo Gatzka, his daughter-in-law, Megan Gatzka, and his treasured grandsons, Declan Gatzka and Cohen Gatzka. Gary was deeply devoted to his family and took immense pride in the accomplishments and milestones of his children and grandchildren.

A Life of Dedication and Service

Gary Richard Gatzka was born on June 1, 1947, in Fresno, California, to Albert and Elaine Gatzka. He grew up in a loving and hardworking household, attending Easterby Elementary School—a fact that later became a charming coincidence when he discovered that his future daughter-in-law, Megan, had attended the same school. He continued his education at Kings Canyon Middle School before graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1965.

After high school, Gary enrolled at Fresno City College, eager to further his education and build a future for himself. However, his plans took an unexpected turn when he was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Initially, he dreamed of joining the airborne forces and parachuting into combat, but due to his poor eyesight, he was unable to pursue that goal. Instead, Gary found his calling as an Army medic—a role that allowed him to serve with honor and compassion. He completed his military training at the U.S. Army Training Center in Fort San

Houston, Texas, and was later deployed to Vietnam, where he spent two years providing life-saving care to his fellow soldiers.

For his service, Gary was granted an honorable discharge and awarded the National Defense Service Medal. Though his time in the military was challenging, it also shaped the man he would become—resilient, resourceful, and always ready to lend a helping hand. After leaving the Army, he spent the next ten years traveling and working throughout the Asia-Pacific region, embracing new cultures, and making lifelong friends along the way.

A Love Story That Spanned Continents

Gary's travels eventually led him to Japan, where he built a career dealing in antiquities, jewelry, and real estate. His passion for learning inspired him to master the Japanese language, and his natural charisma helped him establish strong connections in his new home. It was in Japan that he met the love of his life, Junko. Their connection was instant and undeniable, and in January of 1975, they were married in a small, intimate ceremony in Japan. Later that month, they reaffirmed their vows in a second wedding in Fresno, surrounded by Gary's family and friends.

Their love story continued with the birth of their first son, Jeffrey Shane, in 1976. A year later, Gary and Junko decided to return to Fresno, where they put down roots and built a life filled with love and laughter. In 1983, they welcomed their second son, Bo Brian, completing their family.

A Man of Many Talents and Interests

Gary was a man of remarkable ambition and work ethic. He spent twenty years as the office manager for Pack Chiropractic, working alongside his sister, Judy. Even while managing a busy office, he pursued his entrepreneurial spirit by purchasing and operating a full-scale chicken farm and hatchery in Sanger with his cousin, Rick Skoglund. It was on this farm that Jeff and Bo learned firsthand the value of hard work—and developed a lifelong aversion to chickens, thanks to the countless pecking-related battle scars they endured.

Later in life, Gary took on a new challenge as a sales representative for San Francisco Floral, a well-known Fresno floral company, before eventually retiring. However, retirement never slowed him down. His love for antiques and collectibles kept him busy, and he could often be found in his driveway with an impressive display of vintage clocks—some for sale, but mostly for the sheer joy of sharing his passion with others.

Gary had a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His kindness, loyalty, and endless curiosity made him a joy to be around. Whether he was striking up a conversation with a stranger, swapping stories with old friends, or negotiating an antique trade, he made everyone feel like they had known him forever.

A Legacy of Love and Laughter

Gary's legacy is one of kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to his family and friends. He was a shining example of what it means to be a good man—one who worked hard, loved deeply, and always made time for the people who mattered most.

Though he is no longer with us, his memory will live on in the stories he told, the lessons he imparted, and the countless lives he touched. His family takes comfort in knowing that his spirit will always be with them, guiding and watching over them.

As we gather to honor his life, we hold onto the words of John 16:22: "So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy."