In Memory
Elaine Gay (Hartz) Petzke
November 27, 1937 - April 19, 2025
Elaine Gay (Hartz) Petzke, 87, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and woman of unwavering faith, passed at home peacefully on April 19, 2025. She entered eternal rest with the Lord she so deeply cherished throughout her life.
Born on November 27, 1937 in Salina, Kansas to Russell and Emily (Shafer) Hartz, Elaine grew up in South Bend, where she developed the strong values and humble faith that would guide her for the rest of her days. She graduated from John Adams High School in 1956. She chose to stay home and care for her children.
On May 17, 1958, at Lutheran Church Of Our Redeemer, she married Richard Petzke who preceded her in death on April 13, 2025. The two were married for an extraordinary 66 years, building a life together grounded in love, mutual respect, shared devotion to family, faith and enduring commitment. Together they raised four children.
Elaine took great pride in caring, supporting and looking after her children. She led by example, teaching them values, integrity and kindness. She was engaged in their lives and enjoyed their successes. As a grandmother she loved watching them grow and giving them hugs.
Elaine had many talents. She was an excellent seamstress, loved working in her landscaped gardens (both of which she passed on to her daughters), crafting and knitting/crocheting. She was also an avid reader, bird watcher, bicyclist and walker throughout her life. She and Richard spent many cherished winters in Naples, Florida with the company of friends and family.
A woman of unwavering Christian faith, Elaine and Richard were members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sodus, Michigan. Elaine’s relationship with her Lord and Savior was the cornerstone of her life. Elaine was also active in the church. Her life reflected the love of Christ in countless quiet ways.
Family gatherings, vacations, and holidays were especially meaningful to Elaine. She believed in the importance of these to create memories and honoring traditions that will be missed but lovingly remembered. Her children will also deeply miss her quiet demeanor, patience, warmth, beautiful smile and eyes. She was a wonderful mom!
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents Russell and Emily Hartz and brother, Russell, Jr. (Barbara) Hartz.
Left to honor her legacy and cherish her memory are her children; Sheri (Gary) Reed, Garry (Deby) Petzke, Julie Petzke, Michele Miller (and special friend Joe); her grandchildren, Ryan Reed, Ross Reed, and Brittany (Joe) Riley-Schedler; her great-grandchildren, Aiden and Angelica Riley-Schedler; brothers Melvin (Sondra) Hartz, Duane (Joyce) Hartz, David (Sandra) Hartz, and sister Janice (Alan) Tumbleson; and her many nieces and nephews.
The family is requesting a private visitation, service and burial at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Osceola, IN. Interment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, where Elaine will be laid to rest.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to any Parkinson’s organization or a charity of choice, in honor of Elaine’s memory.
The family wants to thank all those who assisted in Elaine’s care.
4/23/2025 djb
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