Gale Elaine Platt

Gale Elaine Platt (Bednarz) passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on August 26, 2024 after a short battle with cancer. She was born in Milwaukee on January 26, 1950 to Ruben and Mary (Gompper) Bednarz and baptized on July 16, 1950.  She graduated from Bay View High School in 1968.

Gale married Joseph Platt at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Milwaukee on August 10, 1968 and were later blessed with two daughters. They enjoyed 40 years of marriage before Joe’s passing in 2009. 

In 1979 they moved from the Milwaukee area to Pound, Wisconsin. They became members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Coleman, WI. Gale confirmed her Lutheran faith in April 1980.

She worked at Capitol Fixtures in Peshtigo for many years. After that, she opened her home for a few years helping foster children. Gale then held jobs as a janitor for the Oconto Falls Hospital and the Pound community Medical Clinic. Her most treasured “job” was caring for children and became known as “Grandma Gale” to many. She developed a special bond with Maddy and Alyssa Hoida who truly became part of our family over the years.

She enjoyed baking, cooking, gardening, canning, watching her soap operas and cheering on the Packers, playing games and cards, the occasional trip to the casino, vacations, and time with family at the “fun home” in Eagle River. Later in life she always looked forward to her Monday Card Club where she and her friends visited while playing the card game Hand and Foot.

Gale’s greatest joy was becoming a grandmother, and then a great-grandmother. She loved attending all of her grandchildren’s extracurricular activities and found a special joy in watching her grandson’s sporting events and was their #1 fan. Gale loved family gatherings and made every event feel special, while also bringing the best desserts. Her memory will be cherished within our family, and as we attempt to recreate our favorite recipes of hers. Nothing will ever compare as she truly did bake with love as her main ingredient.

Gale is survived by her two daughters; Debra (Kerry) Kopatz and Keri Tachick. Five grandchildren; Tyler Tachick, Whitney (Ryan) Grabczyk, Austin Tachick, Kandace Kopatz and Dalton Kopatz. Five great-grandchildren; Matiya, Mila, Avyanna, Weston and Gracie. Siblings; Lori Zimmer, Lonnie Pillath, Terry Bednarz, Ted Bednarz and John (Julie) Bednarz. Sisters in law; Mary Ann Ramlow and Jeanne Hansen and one brother in law; Allen Platt along with many nieces and nephews and her beloved companion Raji. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband; Joe, and six brother’s in law; Dale Hermann, Arnold Hochtritt, Joe Pillath, Dan Hansen, Michael Zimmer and Richard Platt, sister in law; Sandy Platt and one niece; Donna Pillath. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to HSHS St. Vincent Hospital staff, Unity Hospice, Rhodes-Charapata, Bonnie Woulf, Sara and Readie. 

Visitation was held on Friday, August 30, 2024 1:00-3:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church 221 N Louis Ave, Coleman, WI 54112. Funeral service followed at 3:00 PM officiated by Pastor Matthew Langebartels, and a luncheon immediately followed. 

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rhodescharapata.com