Delores S. Gehrke

Obituary

Delores Selma (Schwarzrock) Gehrke was born on December 7, 1925, in Round Grove Township, Brownton, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Herbert and Tillie (Borchert) Schwarzrock.  Delores was baptized on December 26, 1925, by Rev. George Diemer, and later reaffirmed her faith through the Rite of Confirmation on March 17, 1940, by Rev. C. H. Kwalske at the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Stewart, Minnesota.  Delores received her education at Sibley County District 77.

On October 11, 1950, Delores was united in marriage to Merrill A. Gehrke with Rev. Victor Schmidt officiating at Grace Lutheran Church, Brownton, Minnesota.  They were blessed with one daughter, Jerilyn.  Merrill and Delores resided and farmed in rural Brownton, and later moved to a townhome in Brownton in 2010.  Merrill and Delores shared 65 years of marriage, until Merrill passed away on February 28, 2016.

Delores was a farm wife and homemaker.  She had great pride in the family farm, and was honored when it was named a century farm in 1995.  She helped with chores and raised chickens, ducks, and geese.  Delores also loved to garden.  She grew beautiful flowers, and planted fruits and vegetables.  Her fresh produce was frozen or canned, and also shared with family and friends.  Delores loved to cook and bake, and was known for her delicious pies and caramel rolls.  Hospitality was extended to family, friends, and sometimes even strangers with a home cooked meal, or an offer of coffee and homemade treats. Playing cards was also a favorite hobby.

Delores was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Brownton, Minnesota.  She had a very strong faith, and her church community was very important to her. She loved visiting with family and friends, and told great stories from her past.   She had a kind and generous spirit.  She especially loved her grandsons, Ryan and Dustin.  She enjoyed taking care of them when they were little, and proudly watched them grow up.  Just recently, she became a great­ grandmother to Hudson Lee Ricke.  He was the light of her life.

Delores passed away peacefully on Friday, January 6, 2017 after being hospitalized and a brief stay at Long Term Care in Glencoe, Minnesota at the age of 91 years. 

Blessed be her memory.

Delores is survived by her:
Daughter, Jerilyn Ricke and her husband, Randy of Winthrop, MN;
Grandchildren, Ryan Ricke of Hutchinson, MN,
Dustin Ricke of Brownton, MN;
Great Grandson, Hudson Lee Ricke of Brownton, MN;
And all of you who she considered her honorary family, especially Jim and Connie Ricke.

Delores is preceded in death by her husband, Merrill; and her parents, Herbert and Tillie Schwarzrock.