Paul Esch Gatterdam

Dr. Paul Esch Gatterdam, age 95, peacefully passed away on October 26, 2024, in Dublin, Ohio. Born on June 27, 1929, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, he spent his formative years in this vibrant community on the Mississippi River. He married his beloved wife, Margaret Ott Gutzke (affectionately known as Gretel), and together they celebrated 40 wonderful years. After residing in Texas and North Carolina, he moved to New Jersey in 1962 and was a resident of Lawrenceville and Hopewell Township for over 60 years. In 2022, he moved to Brookdale Muirfield Assisted Living Facility in Dublin, Ohio to be closer to family.

Family always meant everything to Paul. He was the son of the late Dr. Paul and Ruth Esch Gatterdam, husband of 40 years of the late Gretel Gutzke Gatterdam–the former Mayor of Lawrence Township–and brother of the late Ruth Kendall and Helen Mess. He is survived by two sons, Hans (Sandra) Gatterdam of Mansfield, Texas, and Kort (Linda) Gatterdam of Dublin, Ohio, and by a daughter, Greta (Richard) Henry of Benton, Kentucky. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Erik (Kristen) Henry, Kirstin (Phillip) Rose, Haley Gatterdam, David (Molly) Gatterdam, and Jordan Gatterdam, and by three great-grandchildren, Adam Henry, Zander Gatterdam, and Ryder Gatterdam.

Paul had a brilliant mind, humorous wit, and profound wisdom. He briefly attended Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and returned to the Badger State to attend the University of Wisconsin where he would obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology, a Master of Science degree in Entomology, and a Ph.D. in Entomology and Zoology in 1957. He delighted in challenging others with intriguing trivia and sharing stories about his travels.

Paul paused his undergraduate studies to serve our country in the United States Navy. After attending boot camp at Naval Station Great Lakes, he was stationed at the Bethesda Naval Hospital from 1951 to 1953. He obtained the rank of Petty Officer Third Class and was honorably discharged. “Anchors Aweigh” was playing in the background when Paul passed.

Paul had an enduring passion for bugs, dedicating his entire career to the fascinating field of entomology. His work involved not only studying various species but also uncovering the intricate roles they play in our ecosystems. From 1958 to 1960, he worked for the United States Department of Agriculture, Entomology Research Division, in Kerrville, Texas. He then worked at North Carolina State University as an Assistant Professor and then at Chemical Residue Laboratories. In 1962, he began working at American Cyanamid Company in Princeton, New Jersey. He retired from there in 1994 as a Senior Research Chemist. He was a member of the American Chemistry Society and the National Entomology Society and wrote various papers in agricultural chemistry.

Paul was an Elder at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and member for over 50 years, served in leadership roles with the Lawrence Township Junior Baseball and Softball Association, member of the Lawrence Township Republican Club, the Lawrence YMCA Board of Trustees, and the Lawrence Tricentennial Committee. He devoted countless hours serving the Lawrence Historical Society including serving as its President from 2000 to 2003, on its board, and as an emeritus trustee. He was passionate about public parks and preserving the history of central New Jersey including at the Brearley House and the Port Mercer Canal House.

Paul's home showcased his personality, adorned with scattered plastic bugs that brought a playful charm to every corner. He had a passion for playing cribbage, often engaging family and friends in spirited matches. His delight in sharing the wonders of trains with his grandsons during their visits to New Jersey was a cherished tradition. Paul also loved to challenge his family with increasingly difficult puzzles, inviting them to test their skills and enjoy the thrill of problem-solving together. He always put in the last piece of the puzzle. He was known for sending elaborate greeting cards filled with newspaper clippings, cartoons, and quotes that were specific for the recipient. He watched all sports but particularly loved the Wisconsin Badgers, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Philadelphia Phillies.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Schoedinger Dublin, 5980 Perimeter Drive, Dublin, Ohio, with family receiving friends following the service from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. A private burial will be held in Ewing, New Jersey, on Monday, November 18, 2024.

In place of floral gifts, contributions may be made in Paul’s honor to the Lawrence Historical Society, PO Box 6025, Lawrence, New Jersey 08648, https://www.thelhs.org/individual-giving OR Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2730 Princeton Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648.