Eighth Generation

222. Richard R. "Herk" GERKE was born on 12 July 1950 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.²⁶⁵ He died on 30 October 2012 at the age of 62 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.²⁶⁵

Obituary Notes: "Richard “Herk” R. Gerke, 62, of Tomah died Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012, at a family home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 12, 1950, to Royce and Marjorie (Lancaster) Gerke in Tomah.

From a young age Richard was known to stand up for what he believed was right, earning his nickname “Herk” — short for Hercules — after standing up for some kids who were being bullied. His matter-of-fact attitude sometimes got him in a little trouble but his willingness to help out others in time of need was always an admirable quality to his children. He was an extremely hard worker and enjoyed being challenged with hard physical work. For the last several years, Herk worked as a farm hand for Tom Eckleberg. He was known as the “best cattleman” around. He was an avid outdoorsman, hunting and trapping. He found great peace when spending time outdoors, hunting for mushrooms or spending time with the horses. He also was an avid Packers fan. Some of his greatest moments were spent with his children and grandchildren. While driving semitruck, Herk was able to explore the country with his children, taking them to memorable places like the Golden Gate Bridge. Also working as a steel worker, Herk traveled throughout the country building water towers, jet fuel tanks and a variety of other tanks for Advance Tank Company. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother and friend and will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by two children, Jason (Tina Maki) Gerke of New Lisbon and Traci (Kevin) Peterson of Warrens; seven grandchildren, Royce Gerke, Rylan Gerke and Rozlynn Gerke all of New Lisbon, and Tyler Peterson, Jasmine Peterson, Madelyn Phillips and Kole Peterson, all of Warrens; a very special friend, Alice Peters of Tomah; four sisters, Pamela (LaVerne) Reekie and Peggy (Allen) Woodworth, both of Tomah, Pauline (Robert) Morgan of Madison, and Patricia (Dale) Kuderer of Sparta; three brothers, David (Patty Hansen) Gerke and Todd Gerke, both of Tomah, and Michael (Elaine Anderson) Gerke of DeForest; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Royce and Marjorie, and a son, Joey Gerke.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, at 6 p.m. at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home."

Richard R. "Herk" GERKE and (Unknown) UNKNOWN (GERKE) were married.²⁶⁵ (Unknown) UNKNOWN (GERKE) was born (date unknown).

Richard R. "Herk" GERKE and (Unknown) UNKNOWN (GERKE) had the following children: