FORT WAYNE
Margaret E. Hatke died Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, at Saint Anne Home, Fort Wayne, IN. Born March 20, 1926, in Mansfield, Ohio, she was the youngest daughter of the late John and Anna Yirga.
Margaret graduated from Mansfield High School and later attended Marian College in Indianapolis, IN. Margaret married Donald J. Hatke at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Lafayette, IN on November 27, 1952. They resided in Greenfield, IN from 1955 to 2013 where they were active members of St. Michael Catholic Church and School.
Margaret helped countless students learn the art of embroidery, crafts, and rosary making. She was known as the “Bookmark Lady” for the endless supply of bookmarks she created and so happily shared. She brightened gardens at her home and landscaped at St. Michael. She was a nurturing and compassionate wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Family brought true joy to her soul. In her gentle and faithful ways, she quietly ministered to anyone in need.
Margaret is survived by her children, Morey (Jane) Hatke of Saint Peters, MO; Charlene (Randy) Kottlowski of Spring, TX; Janet Herman of Knoxville, TN; Mary Jo (Mark) Coffin of New Hill, NC; Karen (Pat) Dunn of Keller, TX; and Carol Ann (Chris) Eckrich of Fort Wayne, IN; 17 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.
Margaret was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Don, and infant sons, Larry and Gary.
Special thanks to the kind and caring staff at St. Anne Home.
Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 18, 2019, at Saint Anne Home & Retirement Community Oratory of Saints Joachim and Anne, 1900 Randallia Drive, with calling from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Visitation also from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019, at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne, with a Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Burial will be in Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne.
Memorial contributions may be made to Donald J. and Margaret E. Hatke Clean Water and Sanitation Endowment Fund. Checks made payable to the Hancock County Community Foundation-Hatke Fund, 312 E. Main St., Greenfield, IN 46140 or online at www.givehcgrowhc.org/online-giving; or St. Michael Church, Greenfield, IN.
To sign the online guest book, visit www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com
