David Emil Gehrke, age 86, of Beaver Creek, Minnesota, quietly joined his wife, Lucille, in the arms of their Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, while residing at the Mary Jane Brown Nursing Home in Luverne, Minnesota.
A visitation was Thursday, Oct. 5, from 4-7 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne. A funeral service was Friday, Oct. 6, at 10:30 a.m. at the church, with burial following at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne. To view David’s life history or sign an online registry, please visit www.hartquistfuneral.com.
David Emil Gehrke was born on Oct. 15, 1936, to Walter and Ella (Kelm) Gehrke in Luverne, Minnesota. He was raised on a small farm north of Beaver Creek, Minnesota, a farm he would call home for most of his life. He attended Beaver Creek public school through the eighth grade and then helped his parents work the farm. When he was old enough, David joined the National Guard, but continued to care for the land.
David was united in marriage to Lucille Kitchenmaster on Sept. 19, 1971, at St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne. Lucille helped David take care of the farm, and the couple led a very quiet, very happy life until Lucille’s untimely death in 1990. David continued doing what he loved best, farming, until his retirement in May 2018.
After he had a fall, David moved off the farm and into Poplar Creek living facility in Luverne and then to the Good Samaritan Society - Mary Jane Brown Home in Sept. 2022.
David was a quiet man who enjoyed his simple, quiet life. He loved farming and fishing, especially when he was able to do that with his wife, Lucille.
David was a lifelong member of the St. John Lutheran Church. He is also remembered for his jokes and laughter, and enjoyed sharing his love for International Tractors with all his John Deere loving friends.
David is lovingly remembered by his sisters, Carol Jueneman of New Hope, Minnesota, and Lois Harberts of Rushmore, Minnesota; brother-in-law Robert (Mary) Kitchenmaster of Mankato, Minnesota; goddaughter Lori Rehnblom of Brainerd, Minnesota; aunt, Phyllis Kelm of Garretson, South Dakota; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille, and his parents, Walter and Ella Gehrke.