Godfrey L. Gattiker, Ph.D.March 13, 1931 - May 19, 2017ChambersburgGodfrey L. Gattiker, 86, passed away peacefully Friday, May 19, 2017, in Chambersburg, with his loving wife by his side. The son of the late Arnold and Agnes Gattiker, he was born on March 13, 1931, in Loretto, PA.Dr. Gattiker graduated from Wausau High School, Wausau, WI. He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin, earning a B.A. in 1956, an M.A. in 1957 and a Ph.D. in 1962. He began his teaching career at Luther College, Decorah, IA, in 1958. In 1962 he joined the faculty of the English Department at Wilson College. He retired as Department Chairman in 1996 and was granted Emeritus status. His life was devoted to teaching. Many of his fondest memories were of interacting with his students, encouraging and cheering them as they progressed through their college years to become successful, confident young women. He was rewarded many times over with alumnae awards and words of appreciation. His areas of interest were Old and Middle English, especially Beowulf and the works of Chaucer, and the English language.In the early 1960s, Dr. Gattiker was featured on WGAL presenting a series of lectures on "The Languages Called English." Later in the 1980s he developed an SAT preparation course for high school students in the local area.He served in the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lieutenant during the Korean War. Other than teaching and enjoying his family, he was an avid fisherman and was quick to brag about once catching a muskie. He loved to garden and especially to provide beautiful flowers for his wife. He also shared his love of the outdoors with his children. He was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ where he volunteered for many activities, including as a member of the "kitchen crew" and a summer camp counselor.Dr. Gattiker is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 59 years (married June 28, 1958), Irene Urian Gattiker; his brother, Harry and wife, Betty of Marietta, GA; his son, Thomas F. Gattiker and his family of Boise, ID: wife, Kimberly, sons, William and Robert; and his daughter, Anne E. Gattiker, and her partner, W. David Wilson of Austin, TX. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; older sister, Dorothy Gattiker; and older brother, Robert Gattiker; and Robert's wife Betty.A memorial service will be held at St. John's UCC,1811 Lincoln Way East on Sunday, June 11, 2017, at 3 PM with The Rev. Robert Macfarlane officiating. Visitation will begin at 2:30 and a meal will follow the service. Interment will be in Milford, DE at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. John's. Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Chambersburg. Condolences are welcome at www.geiselfuneralhome.com