Lois Gehrke

Lois Kathryn Gehrke, 79, Wausau, went to be with her Lord and Savior Monday, May 16, 2011 surrounded by her loving family at House of the Dove , Marshfield, under the care of Ministry Home Care Hospice.

Lois was born August 3, 1931 in Wausau to the late Ewald and Esther (Hapke) Bliese. She was married to Carl Gehrke on November 27, 1952 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau. The couple raised their four children, teaching them good Christian faith and values and instilling a strong sense of family. She worked as a nursing assistant for 25 years and then worked another 12 years as an adult in-home caregiver before retiring. Lois and Carl celebrated 50 wonderful and loving years together prior to Carl's death January 11, 2003.

Lois lived a good life, full of faith in God and devotion to family. For years, the family went camping together and she never missed an opportunity to plan family picnics and gatherings. As grandchildren were born, Lois took every chance to spend time with them and attended many arts and sporting events where they performed. She was a wonderful cook and baker during her life and shared her knowledge and skill selflessly. Carl and Lois were active members of the Royal Neighbors, German Club and Campers Club. In her free time, Lois enjoyed woodworking and working in her garden.

Lois is survived by her loving children, Mark (Shelley) Gehrke of Wausau, Cheryl (John) Braun of Marshfield, Julie (Mark) Carlson of Appleton and Lori (Dwight) Helke of Wausau; grandchildren, Joe (fiancé, Joni Kurtzweil) Gehrke , Jon Gehrke, Mischel (Jason) Getgen, Nissa Sandley, Lynsey Carlson, Madeleine Helke and Max Helke; great-grandson, Jonah Gehrke; Sister, Ann Jaecks; brother, John (Kay) Bliese; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Bob Jaecks; and members of the Gehrke family who she loved dearly.

Today was a tough day,
a day to find shelter under the wings of God.
A day to ponder His glory,
and to be reminded of His will for our lives.
A day to look up at the stars in their beauty,
...to be reminded of God's omnipotence.
A day to find peace in His eternal hope.
A day to be held in His righteous right hand.
A day my grandma Lois Gehrke went to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesu Cristo.
~LLC

My Grandma will be remembered, though her life was severed,
Her legacy will live on in me, now she's free, now she's free.
Her laugh was loud, her grandchildren made her proud,
Her smile and joyful heart were contagious, She is now with our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
~ MEH

Mom, we love you and we will miss you dearly.
~Your loving children

Funeral services will be 3:00 PM on Sunday, May 22, 2011 at Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau. Reverend Steven Gjerde will be officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM on Sunday, May 22, 2011 at Zion Lutheran Church and last until the service at 3:00 PM. Burial will take place at 1:00 PM on Monday, May 23 at Restlawn Memorial Park. You may sign our family guestbook at www.helke.com.

Lois's family would like to thank the staff and residents of Kannenberg Plaza where Lois resided for many years. Also, a warm word of thanks goes to Dr. Hilary Scully and the staff of the House of the Dove for their compassionate care of Lois and her family.