Brooke Erikka Kastman-Gratkowski

Brooke Erikka Kastman-Gratkowski, 39, of Decatur, passed away suddenly on Thursday, July 29, 2021 at home. Brooke was born September 24, 1981 in Dowagiac to Leesa (Gardner) Gratkowski and Richard Kastman. Brooke had many passions in life. She was a gifted artist. She could freehand draw or paint beautiful pictures of people, animals and flowers. She was very talented on the piano and played music from her heart. For many years, she enjoyed showing horses, even competing at the national level. But her true passion in life was spending time in and around the water. Her family fondly referred to her as a fish – learning to swim at a very young age and feeling most at home around the water. Moments spent with her family at the lake are cherished memories. Brooke is survived by her daughters, Alyssa Kastman-Lowe, and Tiana Kastman; her parents, Leesa (Allen) Gratkowski and Richard (Jamie) Kastman; her sister and best friend, Brittney Gratkowski; her step-sister, Angela DeVrou; her grandmothers, Peg Chambers, Vera Gratkowski, and Tommie Conde; her nieces and nephews, Briana and Michael Peacock, and Lexi and Logan DeVrou; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Allen Gardner, Kaz Gratkowski, Arvid and Dolores Kastman, and James Conde; and two uncles. A celebration of life will take place from 1-4pm, Saturday, August 7, 2021 at the VFW Hall, 560 Phelps St., Decatur. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alyssa Kastman-Lowe College Fund.