Obituary of Florence Gerke

Florence Fredora (Engelke) Gerke went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 6, 2010, surrounded by her family at Montrose Memorial Hospital. She was born to Henry and Ella (Borgmann) Engelke on her grandparent’s farm on April 12, 1922, in Athol, KS., and the youngest of three children. She spent her early childhood years in Athol and Agra KS. At age 10, she moved with her family to Burlington, CO where she graduated high school. Florence was confirmed at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Burlington in 1937. On December 28, 1939, she was united in marriage to Robert Ray Gerke in Sharon Springs, KS. To this union where born three children, Phillip Gerke, Joyce (Barber-Brown) Gerke and Susan (Williams-Wilson) Gerke. Florence and her husband Robert farmed south of Kanarado, KS after their marriage. In 1945, they moved 17 miles south of Bethune, CO where they farmed and ranched until 1989, raising their three children and providing a wonderful environment for all their grandchildren. In September 1989, they moved to Burlington, CO., where Florence resided until July, 2009, when she moved to Montrose, CO, Sunrise Creek Assisted Living facility to be near her daughter, Susan Wilson, where she resided until her passing. Florence was always the rock of wisdom and stability for her husband and entire family. Her life was dedicated to being a homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She will be greatly missed by her family. She is survived by her children Phillip Gerke, Joyce and husband Rolly Brown of Cheraw, CO, and Susan and Gerald Wilson of Placerville, CO. Florence was blessed with 7 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert Gerke in 1991, sister, Ruby Lengel, brother Raymond Engelke and grandson Kerry Barber. Pall Bearers Cory Williams (grandson), Kacy Williams (grandson), Steven Brittell (great grandson), Jarett Hart (great grandson), and friends of the family Jim Brown and Greg Jundt. Honorary Casket Bearers Kelly Barber (grandson), Robbie Gerke (grandson), Gerald Wilson (son in law), Rolly Brown (son in law) and Ray Williams.