Service Information
Merrill Gehrke, age 92, (husband of Delores) of Brownton, passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2016, at Glencoe Regional Health Services Long Term Care in Glencoe.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, March 2, 2016, at 11:00 A.M., at Grace Lutheran Church in Brownton with interment in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be Tuesday, March 1, 2016, from 5:00-8:00 P.M. and will continue one hour prior to the service ALL at the church.
Obituary
Merrill August Richard Gehrke was born on May 20, 1923, in Round Grove Township, Stewart, Minnesota. He was the son of Albert and Esther (Polzin) Gehrke. Merrill was baptized as an infant on June 10, 1923, by Reverend Karl Haerle, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth on April 10, 1938, by Reverend G. Bents, both at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Fernando. He received his education at District #37, rural Stewart.
On October 11, 1950, Merrill was united in marriage to Delores Schwarzrock at Grace Lutheran Church in Brownton. This marriage was blessed with one daughter, Jerilyn. Merrill and Delores resided and farmed in rural Brownton, and later moved to a townhome in Brownton in 2010. In 2013, when Merrill needed assistance with his daily care, he became a resident of Glencoe Regional Health Services Long Term Care in Glencoe, Minnesota. Merrill and Delores shared 65 years of marriage.
Merrill farmed most of his life, and had dairy cows for about 35 years. He especially enjoyed farming with his son-in-law and grandsons. He was a Super Crost Seed Dealer, and served as treasurer at Grace Lutheran Church, Brownton. He was known for being a good neighbor.
Merrill liked playing cards, fishing, gardening, and listening to polka music. Merrill especially enjoyed his wife’s great cooking. His grandsons were the joy of his life, and he enjoyed spending time with them, as well as other family and friends. He had a kind and gentle spirit.
Merrill passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2016, at Long Term Care in Glencoe, Minnesota, at the age of 92 years.
Blessed be his memory.
Merrill is survived by his:
Wife, Delores Gehrke of Brownton, MN;
Daughter, Jerilyn Ricke and her husband, Randy of Winthrop, MN;
Grandchildren, Ryan Ricke of Hutchinson, MN,
Dustin Ricke of Brownton, MN;
Sister, Lois Renner of Victoria, MN;
Many other relatives and friends.
Merrill is preceded in death by his Parents, Albert and Esther Gehrke; Brother, Willmer Gehrke; Brother-In-Law, Norman Renner.
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