Eagle River – Gerald “Trapper” Sawatzki, 62, passed away unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, January 24, 2018. He was born in Racine on August 28, 1955, son of the late Bruno and Ruth (nee: Krause) Sawatzki.
Trapper worked in the maintenance department at InSinkErator for many years before setting out on his own to open his own company, Ger’s Refrigeration. After retiring in 2015 he moved to Eagle River where he enjoyed the outdoors and continued his life-long passions of trapping, hunting, and fishing.
Trapper is survived by his daughter Lindsey Sawatzki and son Evan Sawatzki both of Racine; granddaughter Lilli Nienas of Racine; sister Birgit Koenig of Buffalo Grove, Illinois; his former wife and friend Debbie Sawatzki of Racine; as well as other relatives and friends.
Family and friends are invited to meet in the funeral home to share memories of Trapper on Saturday afternoon, February 3, 2018 from 3:30 – 5:30.
Special thanks to Gary Krause and Brad Rydholm for watching over our dad.
David & Gwen Hegy says
Evan, Lindsey, and family,
We are very sorry for your loss. Your dad, was a very good-hearted person. He certainly did love it at the lake and we are glad he was able to spend his last days where he really enjoyed it so much. Although he had some problems, he told us many time that he loved you both very much, and he adored Lilli. Birgit we will always remember the nice time we had visiting with you and your husband on our front porch and hope we can do it again.
Because of travel and our health, we may not be able to attend the sharing of memories on Saturday, but we would like to stay in touch. Please up-date us on your phone numbers and e-mails so we can stay in contact. We will continue to watch over the northern property for you as best we can. Ger would want you to continue to enjoy it up there, and we hope we will see you both when you come up there again.
Evan and Lindsey our hearts go out to you. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
David & Gwen Hegy
David & Gwen Hegy says
Evan, Lindsey, and Family,
We are very sorry for your loss. Your dad, Ger, was a very good-hearted person. We are glad he was able to spend his last days at the lake where he was truly happy. Although he had some problems, he always told us that he loved you very much. When he spoke of you it was obvious he was very proud of both of you as well.
Although we may not be able to attend the memory meeting at the funeral home we hope to stay in contact with you both. We will continue to watch over your northern property as best as we can. Please update phone numbers and e-mail addresses to help us stay in contact.
Our hearts go out to you at this difficult time, and we will keep you in our prayers.
Brad Rydholm says
Thank you. Deb, Lindsey, Evan, Gary and the whole Family. I am blessed to be a part of all of you! Brad.
Allan R. Garski says
What can I say Trap? We had MANY great times together with our kids and the rest of our friends back in the good old days. My condolences to your family. RIP my friend. You will be missed by all who knew you.
Dawn Scheel says
Debbie, Lindsey and Evan. I am so sorry for your loss. Gerry was a good guy knew him since high school. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love ya Deb.
Bruce Nowak says
My sympathies to Gerry’s family and close friends, especially to his children and Debbie his former wife. May our gracious Lord give you comfort at this difficult time. I worked with Gerry at ISE for many years in the maintenance department and always enjoyed his companionship and friendship. He will be missed.
Jim Huck says
Sorry to hear about his passing. My deepest sympathy to you Debbie and your family.
MarthaHutsick 4502 Harvest Lane says
My sympathy to Gerry’s relatives. What nice neighbors Gerry, Ruth ,and Bruno have been on Harvest Lane.
Mike Hetland says
RIP Trap. Will never forget the good times hunting with you and the rest of our group back in the good old days. Hope to get together with you in the Happy Hunting Grounds sometime. Codolences to Deb and kids.
chuck koenig says
sorry yo hear about your dad. always had a great time with him at christmas and other family functions. great guy. i know you will miss him . chuck