Steven Gehrke

Steven W. Gehrke, age 60, of Sun Prairie, died unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, January 12, 2013.
Steven was born on July 11,1952 in Wausau, WI, the son of Wallace and Jean (Sommerfeldt) Gehrke. Steven was a member of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and received a bachelor of business and economics degree from UW-Whitewater in May 1974, shortly after on May 18 he married Laura D. Toftum, daughter of Otis and Adeline Toftum in Amherst, WI. Steven and Laura began a family and had four children. Steven went on and graduated from Hamburger University and went on to manage several different McDonald's. He later retired to stay home and take care of his four kids. Steven enjoyed keeping everything organized and neat, maintaining his lawn, playing his baritone saxophone in the Sun Prairie Community Band, and playing with his grandchildren. Steven was a strong silent type and was looking forward to his expected twin grandchildrens' arrival. Steven is survived by his three daughters, twins Victoria (Jeremy) Hankins of Fitchburg and Rebecca (Brian) Hill of Madison, and Cynthia (Ryan) Orvis of Deforest; his son, Richard (Jennifer) Gehrke of the Town of Dunn; his mother, Jean Gehrke of Wausau, his brother and sister, Stuart (Jody) Gehrke of Merrill and Linda Gehrke of Wausau, his five grandchildren, John Gehrke, Elijah, Steven and James Hill, and Hunter Hankins, along with many other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Steven was preceded in death by his wife, Laura Gehrke and his father, Wallace Gehrke. A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 with visitation from 10-12, followed by a remembrance service, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie with interment to follow at Sun Prairie Memory Gardens.