Thirteenth Generation

243. Valerie Lynn KUEHL was born on 22 June 1956 in Wisconsin.^152,153

Valerie Lynn KUEHL and Edwin Leo "Ed" GERKE were married on 21 April 1973 in Ridgeville Township, Monroe County, WI.^152,154 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. Edwin Leo "Ed" GERKE, son of Reuben Leo GERKE and Loretta Mae SORENSON, was born on 9 June 1946 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.^152,153,155 He died on 14 January 2024 at the age of 77 in Norwalk, Ridgeville Township, Monroe County, WI.¹⁵⁵ Obituary Notes: "Edwin “Ed” L. Gerke, 77 of Norwalk, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at his home. He was born on June 9, 1946, to Reuben and Loretta (Sorensen) Gerke in Tomah. He was a member of the Tomah High School graduating class of 1964.

Ed spent the majority of his life farming. Like most farmers know there isn’t a lot of “free time” outside of farming, but of what there was Ed filled his days with the love of his family. Spending time with children and grandchildren brought a tremendous amount of joy to his life and he made sure to capture a picture of each of his grandchildren upon a very special pedal tractor. As an avid collector of toy and model tractors, Ed enjoyed attending toy and model tractor shows and auctions browsing for the newest addition to add to his extensive collection.

He was an active and faithful member of St. John Ev. Lutheran Church serving in the past on the cemetery board and church council. Ed was kindhearted and helpful. He was always willing to lend a hand to help whether with a church project or to help out a neighbor. He was a bit of a jokester and had a great sense of humor. One couldn’t help but wonder what he was up to when you saw that mischievous smile and glimmer in his eye. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be deeply missed by those that loved him.

He is survived by his children, Amber (Michael) Trujillo, Andrew (Krissy) Gerke and Jessie (Gary) Thomson, grandchildren, Malia, Montana, Jase, Jacob, Adeline, Bryce, Rhett, Cadence, Colten and Tyler, siblings, Shirley Nauman, Sharleen (Bill) Ott, Fern Gerke, Darlene (Richard “Dick”) Arttus, Jane Kapinus, Nancy Heleniak, Debra Gerke, Rick Gerke and Diane Gerke, an aunt, Marion Kersting of Janesville. He is further survived by countless nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a nephew, Derrin Squires.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024, 11:00 AM at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, 21693 CTH-A, Tomah (Ridgeville). Pastor Robert Gerke will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Vernon Cemetery.

Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Thursday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau Street, Tomah and on Friday at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.

Memorials in Ed’s memory can be given to St. John Ev. Lutheran Church."

Valerie Lynn KUEHL and Edwin Leo "Ed" GERKE had the following children: