Roger Gehrke

ROGER EMIL GEHRKE was born on February 26, 1944 to Edward and Anna (Christiansen) Gehrke in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was raised on the family farm northwest of Beaver Creek, Minnesota. Roger was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne, Minnesota. He attended Beaver Creek High School through the eleventh grade and then went to work full time in the family farming operation. Roger served his country in the United States National Guard. On August 18, 1979 Roger was united in marriage to Debra Ossenfort at St. John Lutheran Church. The couple first made their home on an acreage northwest of Beaver Creek. In 1982 Roger left farming and the family moved into town. He first went to work for Cenex Harvest States, serving the Sioux Falls and Luverne territories. He later drove truck at Skelgas. Roger then worked for a short time as a meat inspector at MidPack before taking a job at Gold-n-Plump as a process worker. He retired full-time work in 2006 and began working part-time at the Adrian rest area, westbound side, on I-90 until his health would no longer allow him. On Friday, April 8, 2016 Roger died peacefully surrounded by his family at the Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 72 years, one month and 11 days.

Roger was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Beaver Creek. In his younger years he enjoyed deer hunting with his family and friends. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, and playing Pinochle and Smear. He could often be found tinkering in his garage. Roger loved vegetable gardening and was well-known for the tomatoes and onions that he grew. Most of all, Roger loved spending time with his two grandsons as they were his pride and joy.

Roger is lovingly remembered by his wife, Deb; son, Chris and his wife Elaine of Sioux Falls; two grandsons, Devin and Cameron; two brothers, Eddie and his wife Carol of Hills, Minnesota and Carl and his wife Teresa of Beaver Creek; and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Warren and Stanley Gehrke.