Walter Gehrke, 97, Luverne, died Sunday, Jan. 18 2004, at Tuff Memorial Home in Hills. Services were Wednesday, Jan. 21, at St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne. The Rev. Gary Klatt officiated. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne. Walter Gehrke was born to Emil and Bertha (Grippentrog) Gehrke on Oct. 9, 1906, in Martin Township, Rock County. He attended country school in Beaver Creek Township. He married Ella Kelm on Dec. 14, 1932, at St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne. After their marriage, the couple farmed west of Beaver Creek. In 1942, they began farming north of Beaver Creek. They retired and moved to Luverne in 1971. He became a resident of Tuff Memorial Home on Dec. 10, 2001. Mr. Gehrke was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne. Survivors include one son, Dave Gehrke, Beaver Creek; two daughters, Carol (James) Jueneman, New Hope, and Lois (Myron) Harberts, Rushmore; eight grandchildren, Brad (Juanita) Harberts, Charlene Kness, Mark Harberts, Lori (Steve) Rehnblom, Myra (Kelly) Kluver, Jason Harberts, Heidi (Jared) Ahlers, and Diane (David) Mash; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. Mr. Gehrke was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Ella, on Nov. 18, 1984, two brothers, Ed and Elmer Gehrke, and two sisters, Hattie Wiese and Amanda Waege. Dingmann Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.
