Gerke, Willard L. (1947-2008)

GERKE, KRACHT, LULLMAN, BJORKLUND, KERKHOFF, NEWELL

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 4/20/2010 at 12:55:16

Willard L. Gerke - Sept. 22, 1947 - Nov. 18, 2008

Willard L. Gerke, age 61, of Sioux City, Iowa, and formerly of Newell, Iowa, died on Tuesday, November 18, 2008, at his home in Sioux City.

Willard Lee Gerke was born September 22, 1947, to Ewald and Alice Gerke. He was baptized October 3, 1947, at his home and confirmed March 26, 1961, at Zion Lutheran Church in rural Storm Lake, Iowa. He attended parochial school at Zion Lutheran Church in rural Storm Lake through the eighth grade before graduating from Newell-Providence High School in 1965.

Following graduation, Willard worked at Nobles in Sac City before going to work at the Hygrade packing house in Storm Lake. He joined the National Guard. In February of 1971, Willard was united in marriage to Nadene Kracht. To this union, two children were born: Randy and Robyn. Willard was very proud of his children and their accomplishments.

When the Hygrade plant in Storm Lake closed, Willard moved his family to Moville, Iowa, and he was employed at John Morrell in Sioux City. He later moved to Sioux City, continuing to work at John Morrell.

Willard’s hobbies included watching NASCAR racing, competing in demolition derbies, and fishing. He was a great cook. Willard loved horses and enjoyed working with them.

Left to cherish Willard’s memory are his son, Randy Gerke and his daughter, Robyn Gerke, both of Chandler, Arizona; sisters: Maxine Lullman and Fern (Jim) Bjorklund, both of Storm Lake; brother Clifford (Norma) Gerke of Newell; nephews and nieces: Kevin (Brenda) Lullman of Storm Lake; Kent (Theresa) Lullman of Storm Lake; Cheryl (Dan) Kerkhoff of Manning, Iowa; Denny Gerke of Newell; Lisa (Jay) Newell of Littleton, Colorado; and Darrin (Karman) Bjorklund of Dodge, Nebraska; extended family and many friends.

Willard was preceded in death by his parents, Ewald and Alice Gerke, and one brother-in-law, Shorty Lullman.

Services for Mr. Gerke will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 28, 2008, at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home, 1615 West Milwaukee, Storm Lake, Iowa. Burial will be in the Newell Cemetery in Newell. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. A time of visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday for one hour prior to the start of services.

Memorials or cards may be sent to Willard’s son: Randy Gerke, 1385 N. El Dorado Drive, Chandler, Arizona 85224.

Copyright © 2008, Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home

Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home
 

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