Kazmer Gratkowski

Kazmer Gratkowski, 91, of Decatur, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2020, at his home, surrounded by his family. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Friday, June 26, 2020, at the Decatur VFW, 560 N. Phelps St., Decatur from 3:00PM until 5:00PM. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, June 25, 2020, from 5:00PM until 7:00PM at Newell Chapel Funeral Home, 83313 M-51, Decatur. Memorial contributions in Kazmer’s name may be made to the Decatur VFW. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.newellchapel.com. Kazmer was born April 11, 1929, in Decatur to Joseph and Anna (Husak) Gratkowski. On August 11, 1951, he married the love of his life Vera Flowers. Kazmer was known as a hard-working man, that was shown through his life-long dedication to working on his farm. In his younger years, he loved to fly his private airplane. He was a member of the Decatur VFW Auxiliary. In his spare time, he enjoyed bowling, and visiting his favorite place, Mesick, Michigan where he loved to go snowmobiling, fishing, hunting and 4-wheeling. Kazmer like to restore antique tractors and travel to the local tractor shows. He was a die-hard auto-racing fan, who never missed a race. Most of all he loved his family, and will be greatly missed. Kazmer is survived by his loving wife, Vera Gratkowski; children, Allen (Leesa) Gratkowski and Kim (Darrel Northup) Gunther; grandchildren, Brooke Kastman, Britney Gratkowski and Greg (Courtney Lewis) Gunther; 5 great-grandchildren; sister, Francis Klees; sister-in-law, Mary Gratkowski; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Frank Gratkowski, Kate (Adam) Polomcak, Stella (Gordon) Southworth and Bertha (Joe) Kowalski.