Obituary for Bill Hatke
This is an obituary some of Bill Hatke’s friends wrote, which I was told appeared in the paper version of the Lawrence Journal World as a paid announcement:
William F. Hatke 61. He gardened. Bill was born May 23, 1946 in Idaho and grew on a farm near the Salmon River also called the river of no return. He was from a family of 6 sons and one daughter. Bill lived a purposely simple life. He loved being an organic market gardener, working hard physically every day, he loved East Lawrence, and he loved to dance. Bill worked in his gardens all summer and wrote daily in the winter. He was in the service, serving in peacetime Korea. After service he attended Seminary School at Loyola University in Chicago, then graduate school brought him to Lawrence where he received two Masters, one in Philosophy, one in Psychology and a PhD. in Criminology. He gave generously to his community through his hands, through his mentorships, through his friendships and by his presence. He belonged to the Kaw Valley Organic Gardening Society. He was a founding member of the Farmers Market. He attended the peace vigil at the Douglas County Courthouse every Saturday. During the last month of his life he saw that his crops were gathered, and weeded his gardens. After suffering a long illness Bill checked out September 27, 2007 the night of the harvest moon. He is survived by his wide family of friends. A gathering is planned Sunday October 7th, 6 pm to 9 pm. at the North Lawrence Train Depot. A potluck supper will be followed by stories of Bill. Please bring your memories, stories and photos to share. Memorial donations may be made to The Shelley Miller Trust, as she meant so much to Bill and they both cared so much for their East Lawrence community.