Gail Ina Tatko, nee Kuhn, was born on June 30, 1945, in Savanna, Illinois, to Donald and Jeanette Ehredt Kuhn. After her early years in Illinois and Schenectady, NY, Gail primarily grew up in North Syracuse, NY, the oldest of five siblings. She attended North Syracuse Baptist Church, accepting Jesus as her Lord and Savior as a child. She attended Pitcher Hill Elementary and North Syracuse High School, where she met her future husband, John Tatko, and graduated in 1963. She studied Education at Houghton College, graduating with her teachers’ certification in 1967. Gail taught fifth grade first at Riordan Elementary and then at Gillette Road Middle School for 20 years. Her passion was teaching children science and, later, PowerPoint. She retired from teaching in 2003. John and Gail relocated to Land O’ Lakes, Florida, to care for their parents, where she joined Idlewild Baptist Church. They then moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2018 to be closer to their family.
Gail’s hobbies were not just pastimes but reflected her warm and caring nature. She enjoyed cleaning, sewing, crafting, and spending time with family, always finding joy in these activities. Her dedication to serving her Savior Jesus in her church and being a children’s leader in Bible Study Fellowship was a testament to her kind heart and love for her community. Gail loved to laugh, sing hymns, and go on a shopping adventure.
Gail is survived by her husband of 56 years, John Tatko Jr.; sons Brett (Vicki) Tatko and Chad (Julie) Tatko; grandchildren Noah (Jess) Tatko, Jacob Tatko, Ava Tatko, Robyn Tatko, Anna Tatko, Lily Tatko, Sonia Tatko; great-grandchildren Juliet Tatko and Henry Tatko; siblings Steve (Carol) Kuhn, Laurie (Bill) Bishop, Walt (Joanne) Kuhn, and Rick (Jilly) Kuhn; sister-in-law Pat (Dave) Zuber; nieces and nephews, Sarah (Dirk) Verbiest, Tim (Kimberly) Zuber, Amy Zuber, Leslie (Ben) Roth, Jan (Tim) Grinstead, Derek Bishop, Mark Kuhn, Jessica Bishop, Eleanor Kuhn, and Adele Kuhn; and many great-nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Dave and Ina Ehredt, William and Anna Kuhn; parents, Donald and Jeanette Kuhn, and parents-in-law, John and Pearl Tatko, Sr.
The family will greet friends and relatives at 12pm on Friday, May 17, 2024, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, with memorial services starting at 1pm. Memorial contributions in Gail’s honor can be directed to Ada Bible Church, 1640 East Paris Ave., Grand Rapids, MI 49546.
3 Responses
Gail was such a precious soul. Memories of her are her sweet smile and calm countenance . Gail personified a true Christian spirit in all she said and did. We will miss her until we meet again.
We are so saddened to learn of Gail’s passing. We will be praying for John and all of the family.
With Love & Prayers,
Larry and Diane Gibbens
John, we just heard about Gail. So very sorry for your loss. Got me thinking about the laundry and candy stores. You and your family are in our prayers. Tom and Faith