David Gehrke

Cottage Grove – David Raymond Gehrke, age 65, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on September 7, 2022, at his father’s home in McFarland, after an unexpected battle with liver cancer.

David was born on July 30, 1957, in McFarland to Raymond and Mildred (Swanson) Gehrke where he grew up and graduated from high school in 1975.  He then worked construction for his Uncle Harold building houses for a short time before joining the US Army in the spring of 1976.  David was sent to basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and then to Frankfurt Germany where he drove a duesenhalf truck in the motor pool for the next three years before he was discharged.

After coming back home to McFarland, he met his first love, Debbie Miller.  They soon were married and had a son named Troy David Gehrke.  Later David moved back home with his parents after his divorce and began working at Sergenians Floor Coverings as a Commercial Installer.  Working along with his cousin Rick and Uncle Dick, he mastered the techniques of his trade.

Then, he met his true love, Theresa Ann Kruse, at his niece’s wedding in July of 1995.  They soon fell in love and married on July 26, 1997; they recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.

David’s favorite pastimes included spending time with his son Troy, deer hunting, fishing, boating, and camping.  Some of his hobbies were refinishing old wood furniture, spending time with his dogs, and watching the Packers play football on TV.

David is survived by his wife Theresa (Kruse), Troy David Gehrke, his father Raymond L. Gehrke, his sisters Debra (Wil) Mack, Sharon (Dennis) Mcpherson, his brother Michael E. Gehrke, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

David was preceded in death by his beloved mother Mildred “Millie”, ex-wife Debbie, several aunts and uncles, and his cousin Robert Gehrke.

He was a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend who was taken away from us unexpectedly too soon.  May he forever be in peace now.

We would like to thank the staff at Agrace HospiceCare for their support and services during the short time David was in their care.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Thursday September 15, 2022, at HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3702 County Hwy AB, McFarland with Rev Beth Schultz Byrnes presiding.  Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the service at the church on Thursday.  A luncheon will be served at the church after the service.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

5801 Highway 51, P.O. Box 105, McFarland

(608) 838-0655