It’s with deep sorrow that I must report the passing of Joe “Buffy” Gratchner, KC9BUF.
Visitation for Joseph R. Gratchner, 81, of Lake Zurich, will be on Monday, December 2, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, 415 S. Buesching Road, Lake Zurich, IL. Family and Friends will meet for the Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at St Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 33 S. Buesching Road, Lake Zurich.
Joseph “Joe” Gratchner, a man of boundless energy and larger-than-life spirit, passed away on November 25, 2024. Born on October 11, 1943, to Joseph and Camille (Vuolo) Gratchner and raised in Chicago, Joe proudly graduated from St. Patrick High School before settling in Lake Zurich in 1973, where he became a cornerstone of the community.
Joe lived a life of service and passion, leaving no path unexplored. He was a skilled carpenter, a dedicated EMT, a respected police officer, and a small business entrepreneur, and later earned the endearing moniker “the Doorman.” His passions were as varied as they were infinite – Ham radio, aviation, snowmobiling, hydroponic gardening, and spending time in his treasured Door County. Joe’s memberships in Sportsman’s clubs and his role as a pyrotechnics instructor reflected his passion for learning and guiding others.
Above all, Joe’s heart belonged to his family. He was the loving brother of Arlene (Tom) Battaglia, the devoted father of Sandra Gratchner and Heide (Michael) Tanner, and the adoring grandfather of Lily, Patrick, Morgan Tanner, and Joshua Ramirez.
Joe’s warmth, loyalty, and zest for life left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends and the countless lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Door County Historical Society
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We'll all miss Joe, that goes without saying. "Buffy" was a great guy and renaissance man. I've known Joe for over 40 years, back from when I was one of his flight instructors in 1982 at Palwaukee Airport. In my profession we say he's "Flown West" . In our hobby he's a "Silent Key". Godspeed Joe... Bill, KD9TWA
Except from the December 2024 Squelch Tale:
I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the loss of one of our good friends and members who has now become a silent key. Joe (KC9BUF), “The Buff Man,” will be deeply missed by all. Joe served on the board of directors and ran the 50/50 at our meetings. He was always ready to lend a hand wherever he could. His meatballs at Field Days were legendary and will surely be missed. Joe often liked to say he coined the phrase, “Come for the knowledge, but stay for the fun,” used nightly on our Night Watch Net. I beg to differ on who coined it, LOL, but I’ll let him have it!... Joe, may you rest in peace, my friend. Let us all take a moment this holiday season to think of him, as he was truly a part of our CFMC family... Paul, N9JZY, CFMC President
