Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Frederick "Rick" E. Gierke
Winneconne, Wisconsin
Frederick Gierke, age 70, of Winneconne, passed away April 25, 2011, at home. He was born in Kiel on March 2, 1941, in the home of his parents, Herman and Adelia (Kattreh) Gierke. Fred attended and graduated from Kiel High School in 1959 where he was an honor student and a star athlete. After graduating from high school he attended the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse before transferring and graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where he received a bachelor's degree in 1964 and a master's degree in 1968.
In 1970 Fred married Peg Brown and they resided in Winneconne their entire married lives. They just recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. Fred spent his entire educational career in the Winneconne School system. He started as a high school history teacher and then became High School Guidance Director until 1980, when he became principal of the Middle School. Fred then finished his career by going back to the high school and taught history on a part-time basis. He truly loved working for the Winneconne Community Schools. One of the highlights of his career was receiving the state supervision Administrator award presented by the Wisconsin School Counselors Association in 1988 for helping to develop one of the top guidance programs in the state. Fred also felt honored when the 1969 yearbook was dedicated to him.
Fred also took and active role in his church and community. As a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Winneconne, Fred served on the church council, was a member of the CCD committee as well as served as a reader during church services for many years. Fred served nine years on the Winneconne Village Board in the 1980's, and was also a former member of the Kiwanis Club, Winneconne Men's Club, and various educational associations.
Fred enjoyed reading (especially in his later years) as well as watching all sports in person and on TV. He enjoyed golfing (not putting) and also enjoyed attending musicals and plays. Besides traveling, Fred especially enjoyed being at the family cottage in Mount Morris to boat, read, and relax.
Fred is survived by his wife, Peg Gierke, of Winneconne; his sisters, Margaret and Marcella, of Kiel; his brother, Dennis (Pat), of Fond du lac; sister-in-law, Pam (Don) Daczyk, of Allenville; nieces, Dayna, Tammy, Jennifer, Jackie (Paul) Schulz; nephew, Jim Daczyk; great-nieces and great-nephews, Rachael, Laura, Ahnalee, April, Christopher, Heather, Torrie, Lauren, and Brody; great-great- niece, Lilly; special relative, Robert Abell; and many special friends
Along with his parents, Fred was also preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, James and Jacqueline Soley.
A Funeral Mass for Fred will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 210 Pleasant Dr. Winneconne, with Fr. Doug LeCaptain officiating. Cremation will follow and inurnment will be at a later date in Lake View Memorial Park, Oshkosh. A Visitation for family and friends will be on Friday, April 29, from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home, Winneconne, and will continue on Saturday at the church from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.
Mueller Funeral Home
904 E. Main St.
Winneconne, WI 54986
(920) 582-4242
Please submit online condolences to
www.muellerfuneralhomeinc.com
Fritz Henschel wrote on May 23, 2011
Rick and I grew up in Kiel as neighbors and friends. Eightteen years of great times. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. I'am sure he was wonderful teacher and mentor for his students. Peg, Dennis, Marcella, and Margaret please accept my condolences. I just returned from a winter in FL....reason for late comments.
Amy Cramer Carriere wrote on May 1, 2011
Mrs Gierke, Family and Friends, My deepest sympathy to you all on the loss of a dear man. Mr. Gierke was my principal in Middle school (1989), but more than that he was someone I trusted, looked up to, and admired. He cared about his students and was there to guide me when I needed it. I always had huge respect for him and was proud to be one of his students. He believed in me when I was unsure of myself. He was and will remain a person I credit for making a positive impact in my life. May his tie still be straight, it seemed always to be crooked. With fond memories of a great man, Amy
Lester M Williams wrote on April 28, 2011
Dear Family of Rick,
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your loved one.
Rick and I were born one month apart in Kiel. We shared a childhood until the fifth grade, when I moved to the New Holstein area. One of my memories is that on Saturdays we would sneak up the fire escape to the gymnasium above the police department and play basketball.
After I moved we lost connection until college. We did play basketball against each other in high school. We reconnected at UW Oshkosh. I recall that we played intramural basketball on the same team. In the summer of 1964 we both went to summer school and roomed together at a private residence. I recall many a spirited discussion about politics and baseball. After graduation we made a trip in Rick's Mercury to the New York World's Fair. Two college classmates, Tony Heus and Jerry Schwoerer, also made the trip. After college I moved out of state for a number of years, and to my regret lost contact with Rick. I have since returned to WI. I always considered Rick to be a very good friend, as we had many things in common. I was sincerely saddened to learn of his passing.
mason wrote on April 28, 2011
I am so sorry for the loss of such a loved one. I know it feels like a piece of your heart gets broke off when a loved one passes, but soon we will rejoice together in heaven.
Timothy Hewitt wrote on April 27, 2011
Peggy -- so sorry ,my sympathy goes out to you and all of your family, Fred was my homeroom class advisor for the year 1966, and I have alot of good memories and enjoyed kidding around with him, He truely was a geat person for all who knew fred and he had alot of wisdom
Sue Freiermuth wrote on April 27, 2011
He was a special man and will be missed.
Kathy Ducharme wrote on April 27, 2011
Peggy - so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers to you. Mr. Gierke was an awesome Guidance Director while I was at WHS.
Peg Christianson Wismer wrote on April 26, 2011
Dear Peg & Pam and families:
My thoughts and prayers are with you. As a Guidance Director Fred was the best. He helped me overcome many challenges and sort them out. I'm sure he helped many other Winneconne students that will never forget him. I won't. Love Peg