John Gehrke

John Michael Gehrke, age 69 of Wautoma went home to our lord and savior on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at Bethel Home in Oshkosh. He was born in St. Paul, MN on April 7, 1954 to Robert and Nina (Wollangk) Gehrke. John joined the U.S. Army and was stationed at Ft. Lewis in Washington and at Scofield Barracks in Hawaii and was honorably discharged. He married Cheryl “Cheri” Zuehlke on June 11, 1977. John was a dedicated chef, working at the Heidel House in Green Lake and later at Ripon College. After retirement, John and Cheri opened their home to many foster children. John enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, working in the yard, cooking large meals for his family, singing and both kinds of music: country and western.

John is survived by his wife: Cheryl “Cheri” Gehrke; children: Michael (Tara), William (Kate), John Jr., Harley (Cristina); grandchildren: Caitlin, Sebastian, Griffin; beloved furry companion: Diesel; siblings: Dennis, Doug, Jeffrey, Charlie (Elaine) Angie, Jody (Paul) Schroeder, Steve; mother-in-law: Nancy Zuehlke; sisters-in-law: Jean Hoppe, Cathy (Joe) Filtz; brother-in-law: Paul (Jenny) Zuehlke; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters: Diane Buhrow and Barbara Reynolds.

Memorial services will be held at 3PM on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at Waushara Community Church, Wautoma. The family will greet relatives and friends at Church on Saturday, June 10^th from 1:30PM until the time of services at 3PM followed by Military Honors.

The family is asking for casual attire to be worn at the service, as well as encouraging those who attend to wear a favorite hat if they have one, as John would have wanted it that way.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be donated to one of John’s favorite charities.