Thomas C. “Tom” Gatschet, 96, Hays, died Friday, December 9, 2022, at Via Christi Village.
He was born August 30, 1926, in Hays, the son of George W. and Agnes L. (Brull) Gatschet. In 1944, Tom graduated from St. Joseph’s Military Academy and in 1950 from Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. In August 1948, he was united in marriage to Irene Satterlee, and they later divorced. In February 1974, he married Neva (Bell) Haerich, and they later divorced. Tom was an instructor of band, jazz band, and orchestra teaching at St. Joseph’s Military Academy and the Hays and Denver Public Schools. While living in Hays and Denver, he played in several dance bands. He earned his pilot’s license and was an executive officer with the Hays Civil Air Patrol and a private pilot. His memberships included St. Joseph Catholic Church, the St. Joseph Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #1325, and the Bishop Cunningham Fourth Degree Assembly #282.
Survivors include his three sons: Tim Gatschet of Andover, Steve Gatschet and wife Lisa of Franktown, CO, and Mike Gatschet and wife Dianne of Lakewood, CO, a daughter: Anne Luke of Wichita, a son-in-law: Tracy McLaughlin of Seattle, WA, two brothers: Paul Gatschet and wife Carolyn and George Gatschet, both of Hays, 11 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter: Sarah McLaughlin, a brother: Francis Gatschet, a sister: Jean Winter, and a great granddaughter: Kelli Gatschet.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Fr. Fred Gatschet and Fr. Richard Daise officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Friday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Saturday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. The Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus will stand honor guard from 6:00 pm until 7:00, a vigil service will be at 7:00, followed by a combined Third and Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus rosary, all on Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church or for masses. Condolences and memories of Tom may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com