It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved brother, Tim Gatzemeyer on January 16, 2026. After a distinguished career at American Airlines, spanning over 18 years as an Aviation Maintenance Technician, Tim retired in 2006.
Tim will be deeply missed by all who knew him, particularly those who worked alongside him during his time at American.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Tim’s family. May they find comfort in the memories they shared with Brother Tim and may he rest in peace.
Rest in peace, Brother Tim. You will be missed.
So God made a farmer.
“And on the 8th day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, ‘I need a caretaker.’ So God made a farmer.”
– Paul Harvey
Timothy Arnold Gatzemeyer was born on September 2, 1944, in West Point, Nebraska, to Louis and Madeline (Waite) Gatzemeyer. He was the third of five children: Bette (Rey) Brehmer, Bill (Kay) Gatzemeyer, Tommy Gatzemeyer, and Cheerie (Eddie) Raasch.
Tim was raised in a strong Catholic farming family, where faith and hard work shaped the man he became. His family often shared the story of his father coming to cover his job at the hay mill so Tim could attend Mass on Sundays—an example that left a lasting impression on him. Tim carried that devotion throughout his life and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He had a generous heart, was deeply considerate of others, and lived with quiet integrity. He was the kind of man who showed up when help was needed, worked without complaint, and treated everyone with fairness and respect.
After graduating from high school, Tim attended diesel mechanic school and worked in the trade for a few years before returning to the family farm in Bancroft, Nebraska. Never afraid to learn something new, Tim made a bold decision in 1988, at the age of 44, to return to school once again. He earned his A&P license and went on to work for American Airlines in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tim spent 18 years with American Airlines, where he was known for his innovative approach to improving and streamlining aircraft maintenance processes. His work earned him several awards, and he retired proud of both his accomplishments and the craft he mastered.
Tim had a wide range of interests and hobbies, and he enjoyed everything from antique tractor pulls and snowmobiling to arm wrestling, playing cards and dominoes, and woodcarving. He also loved camping, making Victorian lampshades, working with miniature trains, watching football, playing shuffleboard, painting, and settling in with a good western.
Tim shared 55 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Mary (Bring) Gatzemeyer. Together, they raised eight children: Debra (David) Vavra, Thomas (Petra) Gatzemeyer, Tyler (Meredith) Gatzemeyer, Sheila (Travis) Nester, Jennifer (Jonathon) Glassburn, Travis (Brandi) Gatzemeyer, Sherri Medina, and Scott (Brook) Gatzemeyer. Through their children, Tim and Mary were blessed with 18 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, all of whom brought them immense joy and pride.
Timothy Arnold Gatzemeyer passed away unexpectedly after coming back from a walk on January 16, 2026. He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. His legacy lives on in the faith he practiced, the work ethic he modeled, and the family he cherished.
Due to the upcoming weather the funeral has been moved a week to January 31 at 10 am.