GORDON GEHRKE

Gordon Gehrke, age 63, of Maple Park, passed away following complications from a tragic accident at his family farm, Thursday, June 8, 2023. Now Gordon is free to tend to the fields in Heaven as he watches over his family with love. 

He was born May 9, 1960, in Elgin, IL, to loving parents Arnold and Marie Gehrke.

Gordon grew up on the family farm in Maple Park and helped the farm to run smoothly. He attended local schools and graduated from Burlington Central High School with the class of 1978.

Gordon met the love of his life through church and eventually prayers were answered when Sherry Clauss agreed to go out on a date with him. They were united in marriage in September of 1992 and celebrated for the next 30 years filled with love, laughter and memories.

Gordon took the helm over the dairy portion of the farm in 1992 before he later oversaw all the operations when his father’s health declined.

Gordon was involved in FFA in high school and a member of both the Kane County Farm Bureau and St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

In addition to surveilling the acres of farmland, he had an eye for the various lanes in his bowling league in which he sought the perfect game for over 25 years. Gordon loved to listen to both the Cubs and Sox on the radio and visit as many auctions as possible. His trip to Alaska with Sherry was the pinnacle of vacation memories, although everyday travels through his garden also brought him a sense of peace. He was a history buff who enjoyed sharing details of whatever life came before him, but being present and in the moment on the farm was where Gordon thrived. Many years have been stolen from his family, but stolen moments will continue to be treasured, as his life and memory are celebrated by generations to come.

He is survived by his loving wife of thirty years, Sherry Gehrke; his brother Robert (Beth) Gehrke; several nieces and nephews: Wayne Gehrke, Carolyn (Scott) Brummel, Natalie (John) Seper, Nathan Campbell and Clint Clauss; his mother Marie Gehrke; his father-in-law, Walter Clauss; several cousins and countryside of friends.   

He now joins his father Arnold Gehrke; his mother-in-law, Judy Clauss and brother-in-law, Brian Clauss,  who preceded him in death.

A memorial visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Sunday, June 18, 2023, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. Additional visitation will be 10-11 a.m., Monday, June 19, followed by a funeral to celebrate his faith at 11 a.m., at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 43W301 Plank Road Hampshire, IL 60140. Interment will follow at Lily Lake Cemetery at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Gordon’s name. Checks may be made to the “Gordon D. Gehrke Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.