William R. Schaetzke

WORCESTER – William R. “Bill” Schaetzke, 89, of Worcester, died Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at Lutheran Home, 26 Harvard St.

He leaves four children, Dale Schaetzke and his wife Ruifang of Shrewsbury, Dr. Randy Schaetzke of Quechee, VT, Dr. Linda Schaetzke-Gray and her husband David of Warren, and Margo Murphy and her husband Chris of Worcester; his first wife and mother of his children, Ursula Piazza of Shrewsbury; his second ex-wife, Dolores Schaetzke of Worcester; four grandchildren, Sharla Murphy, Andrew Murphy and his wife Jessica of Worcester, Will Schaetzke and his wife Kelly of Salem, and Kevin Gray of Warren; two great grandchildren, David Freehart, Jr. and Myles Murphy.  He was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, son of John and Elsie (Pitt) Schaetzke.  He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1950 and moved to Shrewsbury in 1960.

Bill was an electrical engineer for Morgan Construction in Worcester for 28 years.  He taught Sunday School at Mt. Olivet in Shrewsbury.  He loved college football and was always a Green Bay Packers and Patriots fan. In high school Bill played football, ran track and was a chess champion.   He enjoyed reading, loved animals and, was a kind and gentle soul. He enjoyed socializing, music, walking and swimming.

Bill was a Worcester resident for many years and returned to his son Dale’s house in 2006 when his eyesight started failing.  He later became a resident at the Shrewsbury Housing Authority Apartments.  Bill’s family would like to thank the Lutheran Home staff for their care and VNA Overlook Hospice team.

A funeral service will be held Friday, January 26, 2018 at 7:00 pm at Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave, Worcester.  Calling hours are Friday from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at the funeral home.