Obituary of Earl F. Gattman

Mr. Earl F. Gattman, Sr., 87, of Center Street, Fort Plain, New York died Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at Palatine Nursing Home following a brief illness. He was born on March 6, 1927 in West Palm Beach, FL and attended schools in the Watertown area. Mr. Gattman has lived outside St. Johnsville for over 30 years, most recently residing on Center Street in Fort Plain. Mr. Gattman was a Forklift driver at Beech-Nut for 43 years, retiring in 1988. He was also a security guard for the Fonda Race Track. He was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Palatine Bridge. Mr. Gattman was a wealth of knowledge on any historical veteran or war. He was known by his family as a "History Buff". He enjoyed taking trips to the North and the Adirondacks and going for walks. Earl was a member of the Beech-Nut 25 Year Club. On September 14, 1946 in Flat Creek, NY, Earl was married to Lois A. Siegle. She preceded him in death on May 4, 1994. He was also predeceased by his son, Glen Gattman and daughter, Bonnie Zeidner. Mr. Gattman is survived by his daughters, Linda Zeidner of Fort Plain, NY, Debbie Zeidner of Fort Plain, NY; 4 sons, Earl F. Gattman, Jr. of St. Johnsville, NY, Larry D. Gattman of Fort Plain, NY, Michael G. Gattman of Sprakers, NY, Glen B. Gattman of Stone Arabia, NY; sister, Nancy Rogers of OR; half-brother, Rodney Williams of Canastota, NY; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, March 14, 2014 from 5-7pm at The Chapel of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317. Burial will take place at a later date at Christian Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, W. Grand Street, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428.