Betty A. Gerke

Betty Ann Gerke, 84, of La Crosse, died on Friday, July 26, 2024, at her home. She was born on July 25, 1940, in La Crosse, to Joseph and Helen (Swartz) Breidel. Betty graduated from Aquinas High School. She married Eugene “Gene” Gerke on November 7, 1959, at St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church. Together they raised six children and were happily married for 61 years until Gene was called to Heaven on March 7, 2021.

Betty enjoyed crocheting, reading, playing cards, gambling, camping, watching birds and spending time with her family and grandbabies. She worked as a CNA at Bethany St. Joseph for ten years once her children were out of the house.

Betty is survived by six children, Gene Jr., Steve, Joe (Julie), Cheryl Mommaerts, Sharon Embke, and Vicky (Greg) Kast; eleven grandchildren, Lauren Gerke, Emily Gerke, Kyle Gerke, Katie (Ryan) Deerberg, Meghan (Matt) Bradley, Josh Gerke, Melissa (Corey) Yolitz, Alison Mommaerts, Jessica (Conner) Rowden, Christina (Matthew) Weber, and Aaron Embke; great grandchildren, Gabriel Weber, Croix and Crew Yolitz, Jasper Rowden, Hadley Deerberg, and baby Weber on the way; and many nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Helen; and brother, Harold (LaVonne) Breidel.

A gathering for family and friends will be held on Monday, August 5th, from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crosse. A prayer service will follow at 12:00 pm at the funeral home.