Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Frederick Gehrke Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Gehrke
Bill Brackett
January 13, 2009
Pastor Gehrke was a pivitol player in my maturing from a aimless teenager in the mid 1950's to an adult with a firm spiritful base. He was unique in that he actively participated with teens at church. I remember him driving us to Jackson park to go ice skating, but also bringing his own long black racers. He was always there to help deal with the trials and tribulations of teens at W A Trinity no matter, now in hind sight they were trivial at the time. While my wife and I were married at her home church in Watertown, it was he that met with us as a couple prior to our marriage. Harriet well remembers from one of those meetings that he stated that we should "think of our spouse as our best friend in the world". We have done that for over 45 years, and have had a very active layperson role in church life since him.
I especially recall the serious life threat to the whole family from a carbon Monoxide leak at the 68th St. parsonage and how he saw God's hand in saving his family.
While he may be measured greatly as a called servant of God, he is even greater in the people he nurtured to love and serve God and their neighbor.
Bill Brackett: Walther League circa 1955-1964 Now Cape Coral FL
Adele Duelge
January 10, 2009
A true servant and leader has returned home. Pastor baptized some, married one and confirmed all four of my children. He truly helped to shape their future lives. Even now they still talk about the Christmas programs they participated in and the bible verses they all had to learn each year. He certainly made a lasting impression on them.Pastor will hold a special place in Heaven as he has in my heart all these years. May the Lord bless the entire Gehrke family and let them know that many families like mine are forever grateful that he was a part of our lives.
Marilyn Sommerfeldt (Duelge)
January 6, 2009
I am sorry to hear of your loss. Pastor was a wonderful teacher, I admired him greatly. I attended Sunday school at Trinity from age 5 until confirmation, always assured that Pastor was near. He taught me more than my confirmation lessons, he taught lifes lessons too. He continued to be a major part in my life, confirming my 3 daughters. Heaven is a brighter place now. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful man.
Daryl Wunrow
January 5, 2009
I have many fine memories of Pastor Gehrke and his charming wife Geri. My parents were very active at Trinity West Allis ( Al and Ruth Wunrow). I was confirmed by Pastor Gehrke in 1952 and married by him in 1959. He was truly a faithful servant of our Lord. He was a credit to the Lutheran ministry.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Bill Duelge
January 5, 2009
There is rejoicing in the kingdom of heaven as a true servant of the Lord is called home. Pastor Gehrke was always an icon in our family, and he baptized, confirmed, and married me in his church. I've thought of him often over the years and regret having lost track of him when I left Milwaukee. I've had a dozen pastors since I last heard him preach, but he is still the one I call my Pastor. On New Year's Eve he was present in a dream I had, looking like he did 30 years ago. When I woke up on New Year's Day I prayed for him and asked that he would be made aware of the powerful and lasting effect he had on so many people over the years. I didn't learn of his passing until my mom notified me on January 3rd. Our loss is heaven's gain, so I will allow myself a selfish tear before thanking God for putting Pastor Gehrke into my life. Wishing God's peace on Pastor's family and extended family, and my appreciation for their work alongside him for so many years.
Steve Eastman
January 4, 2009
Stevie,
We were sorry to hear of your father's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. We wish there was some easy way for you to get through this tough time or that we could say something that would make his passing easier to bear for both you and your family, but Kim and I know this is not possible. Just put your faith in our Lord like your father did and that will be a good guide for you to follow.
Steve and Kim
Dawn Koukol
January 4, 2009
Mrs. Gehrke and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time, I have fond Memories of Pastor He Married Me and my husband 20 Years ago and also Bapitised our son 18 years ago he was a great person.
Dawn Koukol (Rohne)
Kathy Wussow
January 3, 2009
My thoughts and prayers of peace and comfort to Mrs. Gehrke and children. I have very fond memories from my childhood of attending Trinity Lutheran Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and participating in the Christmas Eve program back in the mid 1950's to the early 1960's.
Peggy Liska (Schoemann)
January 3, 2009
My sister Jan and I grew up at Trinity. Both were confirmed there and later taught Sunday School classes. I have fond memories of Pastor Gehrke. He was a wonderful preacher and a really nice man. God bless the Gehrke family.
donna (wells)wankowski
January 3, 2009
i am sorry to hear about your dads death. i went to grade school with stephanie and i remember her dad being very nice to me.
Dorothy King (Volkmann)
January 2, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time, I have fond memories of Pastor and are thankful and honored to have known Him as He was a Man of strength and knowledge. Pastor had great pride and love for His Family and this is one of the memories that I will always hold of this special person. I loved His sense of humor and I was thankful that He was there for me for the difficult times in my life, as He always had words to comfort me. Pastor always knew what to do in any situation and I was honored to have Him in my life for the important times, my Baptism, my conformation, the passing of my Parents and most of all just having His friendship.
I will miss the friendship of a True and Faithful Servant of the Lord.
Mrs. Gehrke my Prayers are with you and your Family in the Days ahead.
Jim & Marlene Kassel
January 2, 2009
Our deepest sympathy to the Gehrke family. Pastor Gehrke confirmed Jim & our 6 children, married some & Baptized grandchildren. He is fondly remembered by our family.
R & J Vieau
January 2, 2009
Via Con Dios old friend.
Linette Wild Mock
January 1, 2009
The Lord has called a faithful servant. For many years our family were members of Trinity. Pastor Gehrke was a wonderful friend and Pastor. Marrying my husband and I, confirming my younger brother, and being there for my dad and our family when my mother was taken from us suddenly. Thank you for sharing your husband and father with us, he was very special.
Karen Maranowicz (Canapa)
January 1, 2009
Rev. Gehrke meant alot to me growing up. I am now 57 years old, but I still remember how nice he was to me as a child and when my father died.
Frank & Elaine Wick
January 1, 2009
John 3:16 was my verse when I was the only boy in his first confirmation class at Trinity in 1945, he also married Elaine and I in 1962,and Baptized our daughter Lynne in 1964. So we are greatly saddened by his passing.
Edward P. Thornton, Jr.
January 1, 2009
We are saddened at the death of Pastor Gehrke. He was a wonderful Pastor and we were privileged to have him marry us 20 years ago. We remember his wonderful preaching and singing voice and his kind words. May God be with you all. May your faith sustain you.
Sincerely,
Carol and Edward P. Thornton, Jr.
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Make a Donation
in Frederick Gehrke's name
Memorial Events
for Frederick Gehrke
How to support Frederick's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Frederick Gehrke's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
