Ruth Gehrke

GEHRKE, RUTH LOUISE (VOLKMAN)
Ruth Louise Gehrke, age 91, passed away at home on Tuesday, March 8, 2011. She was born at home on November 8, 1919, daughter of the late Edward and Saloma (Tiedt) Volkman, the second of five children.

Ruth proudly attended Center Valley Grade School and graduated from Seymour High School. She was married to the love of her life, her prince; Howard H. Gehrke on April 13, 1941. Together they shared 50 years of marriage until his death in November 1991.

Ruth was a content housewife/mother, accomplished seamstress, excellent cook. She joyfully served her church, Immanuel Lutheran, Black Creek as a choir member, Sunday School teacher, VBS teacher, active member of the Ladies Aid and wrote letters included in bulletins sent to shut-in members. She served her community as a volunteer at Black Creek Grade School and as a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Ruth supported Fox Valley Lutheran through financial gifts, and membership in Ladies Guild.

She was preceded in death by: parents, beloved husband, Howard; daughter, Sharon; granddaughter, Kerry Lynn; brothers: Arnold, Waldemar and Carl; brother-in-law, Ralph Gehrke.
Survivors include her daughters: Irene (Darwin)Hintz ; Betty (Roger) Geiger; grandchildren: Amy (Tom) Nogar, Jonathan (fiance Diana) Hintz; Michael (Lainie) Hintz, Leann (Tim) Hiers, Stacey Geiger; great-grandchildren: Andy (Erin) Nogar; Amalia (Brad) Campbell; Catherine, Jonah, Zachary, Isaiah Nogar; Alexander and Nicholas Hintz; Brandon, Tyler and Matthew Alt; Treyton Schaefer; Kailee Fieck; Courtney and Jack Heirs; great-great-grand-daughters: Elizabeth Campbell, Rebecca Nogar; sister: Vera (Orville) Zuberbier ; sisters-in-law: Marge Volkman, Delores Volkman, Lois Mae (Norman) Hannewald; and many nieces, nephews and their families; numerous friends and relatives.

Friends may call at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Black Creek on Saturday, March 12, 2011 from 9 AM until services at 11 AM with Pastor John Brandt and Pastor Steve Schlicht officiating. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Park, Appleton. Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.muehlboettcher.com .

Special thank you to Heartland Hospice, especially Debbie and Millie, for the gentle care given to our mother.