Robert John Gerke

Robert “Bob” Gerke, 90, lifelong resident of De Pere, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at St. Vincent Hospital with his children by his side. The son of the late Sheldon and Clara (Vande Castle) Gerke was born on December 12, 1925. Bob was a 1944 graduate of Nicolet High School. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II on the LST 882 from 1944 to 1946. Robert married his classmate Carol Verhagen with Abbot Bernard Pennings officiating. Bob and Carol celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on July 2, 2014. They had four children, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. After the war he worked at the post office in West De Pere for 38 years as a clerk-carrier and then finished as a station manager. Bob was an avid Packers and Brewers fan and also enjoyed his golfing and bowling leagues. He also enjoyed vacationing in Door County, Arizona, and Florida. Bob was loved by his family and will be deeply missed. He is survived by his children: Sally (Steve) Kuss; Richard (Jeanette) Gerke; Thomas Gerke; Gloria (Mark) Watzka; his grandchildren: Brenton (Jodi) Watzka; Brian (Erica) Gerke; Lisa Gerke-Zimonick; Carissa (Joshua) Van Straten, Robert (Mina) Kuss; Jonathan (Hannah) Gerke; Timothy (friend Marissa) Gerke; great-grandchildren: Victoria Watzka; Nolan Watzka; Dax Zimonick, Carter Gerke; Jett Zimonick; Kendall Gerke; family friend, Michael Cross. Bob is also survived by his brother Andrew Gerke; sister-in-laws: Nancy Gerke, Lila Verhagen, Virginia Verhagen; brother-in-law, Kenneth (Sandy) Verhagen; nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Carol (December 23, 2014) and his parents, Bob is preceded in death by his siblings and their spouses: Grace Gerke; Carl (Rosemary) Gerke; Henry (Dorothy) Gerke; Sheldon Gerke; Raymond Gerke; Carol’s siblings: Eunice Dederich; Melvin (Laverne) Verhagen; Wilbert Verhagen; Merlin Verhagen; Darlene Vander Leest. Family and friends may visit at St. Mary Catholic Church, 4805 Sportsman Dr., Ledgeview, on Saturday, April 2, 2016 from 9:00am until 10:45am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am with Rev. Richard Getchel officiating. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. Cotter Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established.

Reception:
St. Mary Catholic Church-Ledgeview
4805 Sportsman Drive
De Pere, WI 54115