Obituary for Allen L. "Al" Gerke

Allen “Al” Leroy Gerke, 80, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in his home.

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, and 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 and 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 and 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 and his grandchildren, McKenna and Keagan Timm, Brenton Johnston, and Michael Groth. He was honored to be able to have many chosen grandchildren as well. He is further survived by brother, David (Betty) Gerke, Jim (Katie) Gerke, Lois (Dennis) Martin, Jeanne Schaller, Bev (Rod) Kadrmas, and Diane Bey; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; his son Scott; his parents, Leroy and Virginia Gerke; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Forest and Audrey Thompson; and brother, Duane Gerke.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, 2006 Weston St., La Crosse. Father Brian Konopa will celebrate the Mass. There will be no visitation prior to the Mass. A celebration of life will follow from 12 noon until 5:00 p.m., at Fox Hollow Banquet Hall, W4151 Cty. Rd. O, in Barre Mills.

Whether you join us for the Mass, the Celebration of Life, or both, all are welcome to gather in remembrance and celebration.

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, ‘til we meet again.

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

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