Thomas “Gerk” Gehrke, 66, went to his eternal home on Tuesday morning, December 3, 2024, at his home in Winneconne, with his family by his side, after a lengthy illness.

Thomas F. Gehrke was born on April 14, 1958, to Frederick C. and Florence (Peterson) Gehrke in Winneconne. He always liked to do something different so he was born in the back seat on Dr. McDonald’s pink Cadillac; didn’t quite make it to the hospital.

Tom’s whole life was spent in Winneconne with his brother and sisters. He attended Winneconne schools graduating in 1976. Tom was always an outdoor person and loved being on a lake or riding the countryside on his motorcycle or in his pickup truck. He had a cabin up north he loved to visit as often as he could. This past year his niece took him on a trip to Alaska. He was so thrilled with it, taking a lot of pictures to show everyone. The northern lights and Mt. Denali were spectacular and he was so glad he had the chance to go.

When Tom was younger, he met and fell in love with Lori Fink and they were married on January 29, 1985, and had two children, Bobbie Jo and Christopher. Tom and Lori lived their entire married life in Winneconne and when Tom fell ill, he asked to be taken to his home, wanting to die where he had always lived.

Tom is survived by: his wife of almost 40 years, Lori; his son, Christopher; and daughter, Bobbie Jo; grandchildren, Paige, Michael, and Audry; a great-grandson, Austin; sister, Mary Jo (Reed) Winkenwerder; mother-in-law, Vernita Fink; in-laws, Ron (Marilyn) Fink, Terri (Jon) Groth, Darcie (Dennis) Wisnefske, and Patti Fink.

Preceding Tom in death were: his parents, Fred and Florence Gerhrke; brother, Dale Gehrke; sisters, Linda Tuxen and Marsha Wiley; and brother-in-law, Bob Fink.

A visitation for family and friends will be on Monday, December 9, 2024, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home 904 E. Main St. Winneconne. There will be no funeral service held. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be used to offset funeral expenses.

If you wish, please submit online condolences/memories to muellerfh.net.