Myrtle G. Gehrke

Myrtle Geraldine Gehrke was born on August 8, 1923 to Jesse and Frances (Griffen) Ross on the family farm southeast of Luverne, Minnesota. She was the youngest of 13 children. She attended country school through the eighth grade. She went to work for Walter and Violet Anderson from the age of 14 until her marriage. Myrtle was baptized and confirmed on March 29, 1942 at St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne. On May 20, 1943, she was united in marriage to Orey Gehrke at St. John Lutheran Church. The couple lived and farmed in Mound Township for a few years before moving to a farm in Luverne Township in 1951, where they stayed until 1966. They relocated to Denver Township near Hardwick, Minnesota where they farmed until Orey’s heart problems forced them to sell the farm. The couple then moved to Luverne where they purchased a caf. They owned and operated the caf for the next 17 years. Orey died in 2002. The couple was blessed to enjoy almost 60 years of married life together. On October 1, 2004, Myrtle moved to the Poplar Creek assisted living facility in Luverne. In 2006, she moved to the Good Samaritan Society - Mary Jane Brown Home in Luverne. On January 26, 2011, Myrtle passed away at the Sanford Luverne Hospital at the age of 87 years, 5 months, and 18 days.

Myrtle was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne where she belonged to circle. She was an avid baker, making cookies and pies for friends and family. She enjoyed crocheting and quilting, fishing, gardening, following the MN Twins, and playing cards, especially pinochle. She loved the companionship of her dog, Sandy.

She is lovingly remembered by her son, Gene Gehrke and his wife Ruth of Jasper, Minnesota; three grandchildren, Larry Gehrke, Donald (Nancy) Gehrke, VikkijeanSwenson (Roy Gardner); and five great-grandchildren, Brandie, Orvil, Dyllon, Sarah, and Alexis. She was preceded in death by her husband, Orey; her parents; seven brothers; five sisters; her grandson, David.