Gratke, Godfred E. 1865-1937

GRATKE, FRITZ, BLANCHARD, PUFFET

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 5/22/2019 at 14:46:16

Godfred E. Gratke, one of Aurora's most highly respected citizens, died at his home at 1214 Clinton street, early Monday morning, May 17, 1937.

Mr. Gratke had not been well all last winter, but had continued to work. He went to bed Saturday night with a heavy cold, and passed away Monday morning.

He was born March 12, 1865, in Delaware County, Iowa. In December, 1890, he was married to Henrietta Fritz, at Strawberry Point, Ia., and they moved to Aurora in 1925.

Mr. Gratke was engaged in the electrical business in Aurora and at the time of his death was electrical inspector for the city of Aurora.

He was a man of sterling worth, honest as the day, temperate in all his ways, and regarded by everyone who knew him as a first-class citizen. In spite of his age and the increasing weakness that grew upon him, he never thought of quitting or complaining and was always ready for the job that called him, where he capably handled the work in hand, and with a quizzical smile explained the details of the work.

He was a member of the Lutheran church, the Aurora Lodge 156, A.F. and A.M., and of Dawn Chapter, Eastern Star.

Besides his wife he leaves seven children, Fred Gratke, of Denver; Paul Gratke, of Chicago; Hanna Blanchard, Albert, Sam and Joe Gratke and Sara Puffet, of Iowa.

Services were held here Tuesday; but interment will be at his old home at Strawberry Point, Iowa.

The sympathy of our community is extended to the bereaved family.

~The Aurora Democrat, Aurora, Colorado, Friday, May 21, 1937