Carol E. Gerke

Carol E. (Verhagen) Gerke, 87, lifelong resident of De Pere, was called home for Christmas to be with her Lord and Savior on December 23, 2014. She was born March 25, 1927 to George and Alma (Aldrich) Verhagen. Carol married Robert Gerke, her classmate from Nicolet High School, class of 1944, with Abbott Bernard Pennings officiating. Bob and Carol celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on July 2. Carol worked at the Wisconsin Telephone Co. after graduation. She loved to sing. Carol performed in operettas in high school, sang in choirs and chorus groups for weddings and funerals, and played the part of a nun in the theatrical production of The Sound of Music at St. Norbert College. Carol played golf and belonged to a bridge club for many years. Carol and Bob vacationed in Door County with friends and family, enjoying golf, shopping, and beautiful scenery. In later years, they spent winter months in Florida and Arizona with Bob’s brother Carl and his wife Rosemary. Carol was devoted to her husband and family. She was known for her kindness, generosity, and cheerful disposition. She made friends easily and was loved by all. Each of us treasures the times spent at her kitchen table, enjoying her good food and laughter. Carol read her Bible and prayed daily for each of her kids. Her faith was very important to her. Carol will be sadly missed by her husband, Bob; children, Gloria (Mark) Watzka; Thomas Gerke; Richard (Jeanette) Gerke; Sally (Steve) Kuss; grandchildren, Brenton (Jodi) Watzka; Brian (Erica) Gerke; Lisa Zimonick; Carissa (Josh) VanStraten; Robert (fiancée Mina) Kuss; Jonathan (special friend Hannah) Gerke; and Timothy (special friend Marissa); great-grandchildren, Victoria and Nolan Watzka; Carter Lynn and Kendall Gerke; and Dax and Jett Zimonick. She is further survived by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Ken (Sandy) Verhagen, Lila Verhagen, Virginia Verhagen, Andrew Gerke, Nancy Gerke, and many nieces and nephews. Carol was preceded in death by her siblings and their spouses, Eunice Dederich, Mel (Laverne) Verhagen, Wilbert Verhagen, Merlin Verhagen, Darlene Vanderleest; Bob’s siblings, Grace Gerke, Carl (Rosemary) Gerke, Henry (Dorothy) Gerke, Sheldon Gerke, and Raymond Gerke. Family and friends may visit at Spring Lake Church, 2240 Klondike Road, Green Bay, on Saturday, December 27, from 9:00am until the time of service at 11:00am. Interment in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, De Pere. Cotter Funeral Home is assisting the family. Special thanks to Leah and Molly of Unity Hospice.