Michael E. Gehrke

McFarland- Michael E. Gehrke, age 64, passed away at home on Thursday, October 26, 2023 after years of battling health issues. He was born in Madison on August 31, 1959, the youngest son of Raymond and Mildred Gehrke.

Michael attended McFarland High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country honorably from 1976 to 1979. Michael worked odd jobs including carpet installation. He was an avid fisherman, and enjoyed hunting with his father when he was young.

Michael is survived by two sons, Joshua (Tara) Gehrke and Adam (Melinda) Gehrke; grandchildren, Kay-Lynn (Cody) Portale, Austin (Preston Vande Slunt) Gehrke, Stephanie, Leland, Kailey and Chloe Gehrke; great grandson, Ryan Portale; two sisters, Debbie (Will) Mack and Sharon (Dennis) McPherson; sister-in-law, Theresa Gehrke; nieces and nephews, Hope (Mike) Kruse, Mathew (Bridgit) Egner, Travis (Kerri) McPherson, Amanda (Nik) Kimball, and Troy Gehrke; great nieces and nephews; and close friends, Jamie (Karen) and Joyce. He was preceded in death by his mother; and brother, David Gehrke.

A memorial gathering will be held from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Cress Funeral Home, 5801 US Highway 51, McFarland, with a brief time of sharing and Military Honors to follow.

Memorials may be made to the Madison VA Hospital.

A special thank you to the Madison VA Hospital, to our dad and to Jamie for their care and support of Michael for many years.

Please share your memories of Michael by posting in his Guestbook.

Cress Funeral Services

5801 US Highway 51, PO Box 105, McFarland

(608) 838-0655