Joanne M. Gerke

Joanne M. Gerke, born October 9, 1931, the bright light who was a loving wife, mom, grandma and great grandma was dimmed here on earth on October 28, 2021. Her eternal light is now shining in heaven. She will be remembered lovingly by her husband of 67 years, Bill Gerke. She was preceded in death by her parents Aloma and Robert Nowak and her dear sister Dorothy Westrick. In addition to the children and grandchildren listed below, Joanne is survived by her lifelong friend and sister-in-spirit Charlotte McGrath, and numerous, cherished in-laws. Her 10 children and their families will miss her and are forever grateful for the sweet, patient, intelligent and witty person she was. Joanne loved her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with all her heart. They are Carol and Tom Vereecke, their children Matt and Elizabeth Vereecke, Amy and Matt Medlock, Andy and Amanda Vereecke, Pete and Denise Vereecke, and their grandchildren Emma and Lyla Medlock and Brynn Rose Vereecke; Mary Polkowski, her children Greg and Larissa Polkowski, Annie and Jason Shackelford, Stephen Polkowski and Jeff and Jazmine Polkowski, and her grandchildren Elise, Will and Anna Polkowski and Ben, Zack, Mitch and Owen Polkowski; Charlie Gerke and Gretal Leibnitz, their children Noah Leibnitz and AllyRose Gerke; Joe and Maryanne Gerke, their children Danny Gerke, Michelle and Brett Harig, Rachel Gerke, Mark and Jamie Gerke, Dave and Kenzie Gerke and their grandchildren Jaelynn and Haisley Harig, William Gerke and one more on the way; Mike and Bonnie Gerke, their daughter Caitlin Gerke; Dick and Julie Gerke and their children Jessica and Brian McKenna, Ryan and Emily Gerke, and Nick and Kersti Gerke and their grandchildren Fiona, Keira and Ella McKenna, Reid and Ivy Gerke; Pete and Maureen Gerke and their children Jake Gerke, Kaley and David Paniwozik and Tyler Gerke and fiancé Abby Roach, and grandchildren Peyton and Lillian Joanne Paniwozik; Betsy and Tony Lashley and their children Gregory and Garrett Lashley; Sue and Chad Howes and children Brad and Jessica Cash and Katie Cash and their granddaughter Kinsley; Jude and Jesse Barnum and their children Blake and Jett Barnum. Joanne attended St. Alphonsus Elementary School and Catholic Central High School, graduating in 1949. She was proud to be a Registered Nurse and built lifelong relationships with friends from the Mercy Central School of Nursing, Class of 1953. She was an inspiration to all who knew her through her unwavering commitment to faith, family, love of music and involvement in causes important to her. The family is very grateful to Laurie Young with the Forever Young Agency for her care of Joanne and Bill for nearly 5 years and to Andrea Lim and Younga Rector from Faith Hospice, who provided extraordinary care and comfort to Joanne, Bill and the extended family during her final months. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday November 5th, 2021 11:00 am St. Anthony of Padua Church where she will repose from 10:00 am -11:00 am. Entombment Rosedale Memorial Park. Her family will receive visitors Thursday November 4th ,2021 from 5:00 pm- 8:00 pm at the Arsulowicz Brothers Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance Rd NW. A Rosary will be prayed Thursday at 7:30 pm. Donations in Joanne’s memory can be made to Faith Hospice or St. Anthony of Padua Parish.

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Joanne M. Gerke

October 9, 1931 - October 28, 2021