Service Information
Lorraine Gehrke, age 90, of Winthrop, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at Oak Terrace Health Care Center in Gaylord.
Funeral Service will be held Saturday, March 7, 2020, 11:00 A.M., at Oakwood Methodist Church in New Ulm, Minnesota, with interment following in the St. Matthew’s Lutheran Cemetery, Penn Township, McLeod County, Minnesota.
Visitation will be held Saturday, March 7, 2020, from 9:30 – 11:00 A.M., all at the church.
Obituary
Lorraine C. Gehrke was born on August 27, 1929, in Brownton, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Walter and Emma (Wilhelm) Knick. Lorraine was baptized as an infant on September 15, 1929, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brownton, Minnesota, and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth on June 18, 1944, at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Penn Township. She attended country school District #32 in rural Brownton, Minnesota.
On July 14, 1948, Lorraine was united in marriage to Willmer A. Gehrke by Pastor J.H. Kohberg, at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Penn Township, McLeod County, Minnesota. After their marriage, the couple resided and farmed in Transit Township, Sibley County. This union was blessed with two children. Lorraine was employed at Fingerhut, Telex for 22 years, was a Headstart bus driver, and Walmart in the fabric department. Lorraine and Willmer shared 53 years of marriage when he passed away on January 27, 2002.
Lorraine enjoyed traveling, bowling, dancing, gardening, baking and cooking. She loved to try new recipes. She cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lorraine attended her grandchildren’s activities. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy.
When she needed assistance with her daily care, Lorraine became a resident of Oak Terrace Health Care Center in Gaylord and passed away there on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at the age of 90 years. Blessed be her memory.
Lorraine is survived by her:
Daughter, Myra Dolly and her husband, Joe of Winthrop, MN;
Son, David Gehrke and his wife, Ruth Ann of New Ulm, MN;
Grandchildren, Chad Dolly, Justin Gehrke and his wife, Andrea, and Kristen Gehrke and her husband, Parth Desai;
Great-grandchildren, Maya Gehrke, Graham Gehrke, and Elaina Brown;
Sisters-in-law, Bernice Knick of Glencoe, MN, Mildred “Millie” Knick of Hutchinson, MN, Frances Knick of Winthrop, MN, and Lois Renner of Victoria, MN;
Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends.
Lorraine was preceded in death by her Parent, Walter and Emma Knick; Husband, Willmer Gehrke; Siblings, Ellsworth (Mildred) Knick, Luella (Herbert) Becker, Eugene Knick, Earl Knick, and Vernon Knick; Brother-in-law, Norman Renner.
Brenda Paulson says
My sympathy to your family during this time. May Lorraine rest in peace.
Brenda (Berle) Paulson