Delbert “Del” Erwin Gehrke
GEHRKE, HASSE, SIMPSON, HAUPTMANN
Posted By: Sarah Fletcher (email)
Date: 11/21/2023 at 08:51:01
Delbert “Del” Erwin Gehrke, 80, of North Liberty and formerly of Iowa City, passed away on October 9, 2023 at his residence.
Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 13, 2023 at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. Private interment will be held at Restland Community Cemetery in Mendota, Illinois at a later date.
Del was born on May 15, 1943 in New Ulm, Minnesota to Erwin and Inez (Hasse) Gehrke. He graduated from Mendota High School in 1961 and earned a scholarship to play football for the University of Iowa, where he graduated in 1965. Del earned an Army commission at the University of Iowa and entered the Army at the AG Core. He was stationed at Ft. Ord, California for two years and spent 23 years in the Army Reserves, retiring as Lt. Col.
In 1963, Del married his high school sweetheart, Judy Simpson. The couple recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on August 17, 2023. Upon discharge from active duty in the Army, Del worked as a plant supervisor at Del Monte in Dekalb, Illinois. He and Judy returned to Iowa City where Del worked for the University of Iowa’s Recreation Services before becoming the facilities manager at the University of Iowa Athletic Department for over 30 years.
Del had a very demanding work schedule, especially when he added his other joys: officiating high school football, starting track meets, weekly Army Reserve meetings, fishing, hunting and spending time with his family.
Del is survived by his loving wife, Judy; children: Michelle Gehrke (John) of North Liberty and Bradley (Christina) Gehrke of Solon; grandchildren: Jessica (Caylin) Hauptmann of Winter Haven, Florida, Hunter (Maddison) Gehrke of Shueyville, Chase (Kelsey) Gehrke of Spencer and Otto Gehrke of Solon. He is also survived by one great granddaughter, Kinsleigh Mai Hauptmann of Winter Haven, Florida as well as several extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be made to Iowa City Hospice or the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service
Johnson Obituaries maintained by Cindy Booth Maher.
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