Leana Gerke

Leana Pophal Gerke of Waunakee, Wisconsin passed away in the presence of family on August 24, 2017. Leana was born in Merrill, Wisconsin on November 29, 1919. She was preceded in death by her husband Lawrence Rouleau Gerke, parents Erwin A. Pophal, Nina I. Ebert Pophal, and brother Clyde J. Pophal.

She is survived by four children John Gerke (Corinne), Linda Gerke Hayes, James Gerke, Richard Gerke (Sheila), her grandchildren Melissa (Tim) Hakim, Laurence (Philip) Pass, Michael Gerke, Natasha (Sean) Hurdiss, Rachelle Gerke, and Weston Hayes, plus supportive niece and nephews Barbara Pophal Ebert, John Pophal, Jerry Pophal David Pophal, and sister in law Virginia (Amundson) Pophal.

Leana graduated from Wausau Business School, worked, and later served as office manager for the Gerke Construction Company. Leana was an excellent cook, baker, and accomplished seamstress. Leana and family logged air and land travel miles through North America and beyond. Leana made hundreds of quilts which were distributed to Lutheran charities, worldwide. She kept a large garden into her 70's, enjoyed scrabble, and corresponding with friends and family.

In lieu of flowers the family requests a memorial donation to Orphan Grain Train (L. Isberner, quilt shipping) N4993 6th Drive, Westfield, Wisconsin 53964.

Services will held on Tuesday September 5, 2017 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2126 North Sherman Avenue Madison, Wisconsin with visitation from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, services at 11:00 AM followed by a luncheon reception. At 1:00 PM the funeral party will depart for Merrill, Wisconsin for graveside services and burial at Merrill Memorial Park, 201 N. Memorial Dr., Merrill, WI 54452.

1 John 4:16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

Cress Center
6021 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705
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