Mary “Ma” Gehrke of Weyauwega passed away Thursday, July 11, 2013 after a brief illness.
She was born February 27, 1928 in Harshaw, Wisconsin, daughter of the late Oscar and Eunice (Miller) Bonnell. They moved to Waupaca in 1931. She married Ralph “Turk” Gehrke on December 1, 1951 and moved to Weyauwega. Mary worked in the Weyauwega-Fremont School District in food service from 1965 to 1978. She also worked at Silverfield Cheese from 1978 until she retired in 1999. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of American Legion Post 176 in Weyauwega. Mary bowled for many years, volunteered at school, and was an active participant in Senior Dart Ball and enjoyed the summer and winter dart ball league.
“Ma” is survived by 3 sons: Michael, Doug (Iris), Richard (Carol); 3 daughters: Cynthia (Mel) Nordstrom, Debra and Michale; 2 grandsons, Chris (Dani), Joe (Rachel); a granddaughter, Amy (Chris); 2 step-grandsons, Mel III and Dougie; 3 step granddaughters: Shannon (Jeff), Jennifer and Stacy; 3 great granddaughters: Airiana, Denna, and Jaden, plus one on the way, Lyla; 6 step-great-granddaughters: Trinity, Ivie, Breanne, Isabella, Tori and Samantha; 2 step-great-grandsons, Dillon and Grayson and many great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Dorothy; 2 sisters-in-law, Francella and Irene; also nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her husband Turk in 1992, a granddaughter in 1997, 4 sisters: Ethel, Helen, Hazel and Erma; 2 brothers, Bill and Donald.
A celebration of Mary’s life will take place on Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 200 S. Pine Street in Weyauwega with Dr. Charles Brownlow officiating. She will be buried with her husband Turk at Oakwood Cemetery, Weyauwega. A gathering of family and friends will take place at the church on Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Animal Haven Zoo, N1720 Buchholz Road, Weyauwega 54983 “THAT’S ALL FOLK’s!!!”