Geraldine Gehrke

Sun Prairie - Geraldine "Gerry" M. Gehrke, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, passed away on Friday March 25, 2016, surrounded by her loving family. She was born February 19,1929 in Sun Prairie, daughter of Mae (Hunt) and Elmer Bork. In 1946, she graduated from Sun Prairie High School as Valedictorian.

Gerry married Rodney Carl Gehrke on June 21, 1947, where they lived on her family farm which is now Gehrke's Knoll outside of Sun Prairie. Rod and Gerry have four children, Bruce and Rita Gehrke of Salt Lake City, Utah; Pamela and Steve Seiler of Sauk City, Doug and friend Amy Zelinski of Sun Prairie, and Barbara and Rick Fehrman of Sun Prairie. Gerry is also survived by her grandchildren, Nick and Leslie Moore of Wheaton, IL, Matthew Scheiding and friend Jill Beske of Madison, Jason Gehrke and friend Bailey Johnston of Milwaukee, and Ashley Gehrke and Fianc� Tim Barman of Madison; great-grandchildren, Paden and Cullen Moore and Janna Gehrke; sister and brother in law, Bernadine and Cecil Smith of Sun Prairie; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Along with raising 4 children and working on the family farm, Gerry was employed at The Wisconsin Cheeseman for over 40 years. After retiring from the Cheeseman, she enjoyed part-time employment at Kwik Trip for several years. During her retirement years, Geraldine crocheted many afghans for family, lap robes, prayer shawls and stocking caps for the Sun Prairie United Methodist Church and would assist anyone who needed help with their crocheting projects. She donated to many non-profit organizations. During her lifetime, her wanderlust nature took her to Alaska twice, Yellowstone, Southwest United States and her favorite place to go was to Jerome, Arizona. She leaves the family with pictures of all the places she traveled.

Geraldine is preceded in death by her husband Rodney Carl Frederick Gehrke, her parents Elmer and Mae Bork, and daughter in law Janet Tjugum Gehrke.

Funeral services will be held at SUN PRAIRIE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 702 North Street, Sun Prairie, on Thursday, March 31, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Frank Gaylord officiating. Burial will follow at Sun Prairie Memory Gardens in Sun Prairie. A visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, on Wednesday, March 30, 2016, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service.

The family wishes to thank Agrace HospiceCare for their medical support which Geraldine received during her illness.

Memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services
1310 Emerald Terrace Sun Prairie
(608) 837-9054