Born September 29, 1935 in Woodburn, Oregon, the daughter of Anton Joseph Rentz, and Viola Anna (Shoenecker) Rentz. She and Robert “Bob” M. Gatke Jr., exchanged vows on November 13, 1954. They enjoyed building a family together, having raised their six children. In all the years of her life, Carol was an example of taking on responsibilities, of enjoying life no matter comes up, and of persistence. She made the most of what was available, took the time to enjoy the small blessings as well as the big ones, and laughed hard enough to fall over! She will certainly be missed by family and friends alike. Carol passed away in Salem, Oregon on March 19, 2019.
She was preceded in death by her husband Bob in 2005, by her sister; Eileen (Bill) Givens , and by her brother; Paul “Butch” Rentz.
Carol is survived by her children; Brenda (Calvin) Frank, Edward (Barbara) Gatke, Dennis (Dawn) Gatke, Julie Rourke, Randall Gatke, and Patricia (Tommy) Turner, her sisters; Norma (Mark) Ginther, Maxine (Jim) Fidler, and , brother-in-law; Richard “Dick” (Marjorie) Gatke, 12 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.
Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 4227 Lone Oak Rd SE, Salem, OR 97302 Interment will take place at Belcrest memorial Park at 2:00 pm.