Eugene "Gene" J. Gerke

Eugene J. “Gene” Gerke, 81, of La Crosse, died on Sunday, March 7, 2021 at his home. He was born on September 21, 1939 in La Crosse to Alvin and Elizabeth (Roesler) Gerke. Gene graduated from Aquinas High School and served with the United States Marine Corps. Gene married Betty Breidel on November 7, 1959 in St. Thomas More Catholic Church. He had worked at Williams Construction, Fleming, and Walmart. He enjoyed woodworking, making bird houses, and crafts. He loved mowing the grass, tinkering in the garage and watching the birds.

Gene is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Betty, six children, Gene Jr., Steve, Joe (Julie), Cheryl (J.D. Dumale) 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 Embke, Christina (Matthew) Weber, and Aaron Embke, a great-grandchild baby Weber on the way, nine brothers and sisters, Ken (Jackie) Gerke, Elizabeth Roth, Sister Malinda Gerke, Donna (Paul) Cuta, Jim (Darlene) Gerke, Paul (Sally) Gerke, Mary Ellen (Dave) Clements, Greg (Pat) Gerke, and Mary Lu Gerke, and a sister-in-law, Ann Gerke. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Alfred Gerke, Don (Barb) Gerke, and Alvin Gerke, and a brother-in-law Richard Roth.

A gathering for family and friends will be held on Monday, March 15 ^th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of La Crosse. A private family service will follow with Msgr. Michael Gorman officiating.