Susan Ann Gatz

Susan Ann Gatz, 75, of Lake Butler Florida, was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 21, 2026, in her home surrounded by loved ones. She was born on June 17, 1950, in Wheaton, Illinois, to Ted and Anna May Maas. Susan attended Wheaton Central High School and St. John’s Lutheran Church. In her younger years, she enjoyed sketching and playing the guitar. She went on to become a dedicated mail carrier with the Wheaton Post Office, where she eventually left to start her family as a wife and mother.

After moving to Florida, she continued her life of service as a compassionate caregiver at LCMC and made her home in Lake Butler with her husband, Mark, in 2006. Susan dearly loved her husband and family. In her retirement, she found joy in life’s simple blessings—reading, spending time in nature with her husband, and reminiscing about cherished loved ones and precious memories. She had a deep love for the Lord and was known for her gentle, sweet, and caring spirit. Susan was a faithful member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lake City. She rested firmly in the assurance of God’s grace and the saving love of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Mark Gatz of Lake Butler Florida; her brother, Ted Maas of Plano, Texas; her sister, Holly Burnette (Charles) of Lake City, Florida; her daughter, Nicole; her granddaughters, Amber (Tyler), Devyn (Ahmed), Autumn, Rosie and Lily; as well as many beloved great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who find comfort in knowing she is at peace in the presence of the Lord.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ted and Anna May Maas; her sons, Aaron and Christopher Hansen; and her sisters, Pam Rompa and Mary Batson.

Graveside funeral services for Mrs. Gatz will be conducted on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Interment will follow. A time of visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to church, ministry, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the charity of your choice in her honor.