God’s child has fallen asleep, Robert M. Gerke, 91, of rural Wilton passed away Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016, at the Serenity House in Tomah.
He was born Oct. 6, 1925, to August “Casey” H. and Matilda (Radloff) Gerke in the old family farmhouse in the Township of Wilton. Robert attended Hillcrest Grade School, and after finishing, went to work on the farm.
On Nov. 30, 1957, he was united in marriage to LaVonne L. Burkhalter at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ridgeville. She preceded him in death Dec. 11, 1999.
Bob was a farmer through and through, working on the family farm his entire life. He took pride in the hard work put into working in the fields and tending to the livestock, season after season and year after year. He dearly loved his family, and spending time with them playing cards games and visiting always brought joy to his heart. He was a loving brother and uncle and will be missed by those who loved him.
He is survived by a sister, Reatha Wyatt of Inver Grove Heights, Minn.; two brothers, Alfred (Ruth) Gerke of Mendota Heights, Minn., and Martin (Darlene) Gerke of Inver Grove Heights, Minn.; a sister-in-law, Geraldine Gerke of Tomah; many other brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and countless nieces and nephews, who loved him dearly; along with many other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, LaVonne; a sister, Delores and her husband Elmer Grabitski; a sister, Virgil; and a brother, Wesley Gerke.
A funeral service will be at 12 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ridgeville. Pastor Matthew Minzlaff will officiate. Burial will be in South Ridge Lutheran Cemetery.
Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Thursday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the services.
The Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home in Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
The family would like to extend a special thank-you to his caretakers, Barb and Sue, along with the staff of Serenity House.
