Obituary for Allen L. "Al" Gerke

Allen was born on February 18, 1946, in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He graduated from West Salem High School. He joined the Wisconsin National Guards for 6 years. In 1975 he moved his family to the family farm. Farming was more than an occupation to Allen—it was his passion to be back on the family farm.

On May 10, 1969, Allen married the love of his life, Patricia Thompson, at St. James Catholic Church. Together they built a life rooted in love, family, and hard work, sharing more than five decades of marriage.

He worked at Trane Company, Kammel Construction, and St. Joe's Construction, and spent many years tending bar at the local establishments. After retirement you could find him mowing lawns for OSI, Forest Hills Golf Course & The Temp properties. He was a dedicated member of the St. Joseph Lions Club for nearly 50 years. If there was a project to be worked on Al was always the first one there and the last one to leave. Playing Santa was one of his favorite roles, the numerous daycares & family homes he went to every year. No matter where he worked, Allen earned the respect of those around him through his reliability, kindness, and friendly personality. Yet, of all the jobs he held, farming remained closest to his heart.

Al will always be remembered for the smile on his face, the ability to make everyone feel welcome even if it was someone new to the community. If you ever had the opportunity to get stuck behind a green little truck you quickly learned to watch the corn grow and that patience is a virtue.

He is survived by his daughter Stephanie (Kevin) Timm. His grandchildren McKenna & Keagan Timm, Brenton Johnston, & Michael Groth. He was honored to be able to have many other chosen grandchildren as well. He is further survived by brother David (Betty) Gerke, Jim (Katie) Gerke, Lois (Dennis) Martin, Jeanne Schaller, Bev (Rod) Kadrmas, Diane Bey, & many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Patricia, his son Scott, his parents Leroy & Virginia Gerke, his mother and father-in-law Forest & Audrey Thompson, and brother Duane Gerke.

A funeral service will be held on August 1st at 10:00 AM at Mary Mother of the Church Parish. There will be no wake. Celebration of Al's Life to follow at Fox Hollow Banquet Hall.

Though Allen is no longer with us, the values he lived by, the land he cared for, and the love he shared will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. To our moral compass, fly with angels, till we meet again.

Special thank you to Sara Venzke, Tim & Lisa Buisman, Jeff Servais, & our "Ridge Family". We couldn't do this without you.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the St. Joe's Lions Cliub. Online condolences may be offered at this website.