Dorothy Gehrke

Dorothy L. Gehrke, 93, of Campbell passed away under the care of Knute Nelson Hospice at PioneerCare in Fergus Falls, on August 19, 2024.

Dorothy was born at home on June 20, 1931 to Anton and Valdine (Skyberg) Hanson. She was one of ten children, having 5 brothers and 4 sisters. At the age of 17 her mother passed away leaving her in charge of helping her father raise her two younger brothers. She graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1949.

On September 30, 1950 she married Lorain Gehrke at Aastad Lutheran Church. While on their honeymoon Lorain’s mother passed away. The couple graciously moved into the Gehrke family home to help care for Lorain’s father. Dorothy was now a loving caretaker for both families. 

Dorothy and Lorain started their family in January of 1952 when Barbara was born, soon followed by Sandra in December 1953. Sharon completed their family born in December of 1958.

Dorothy had a gift for sewing and was an excellent seamstress. She sewed each daughter their wedding dress and many of the attendant’s attire. She sewed school clothing including suits and outfits for her girls, working women and friends. 

Most of all, Dorothy loved her Lord and her church. She taught Sunday School, attended Bible study, was the Church’s financial secretary, treasurer of Presbyterian Women’s Group, secretary of Lawrence Cemetery Association and head election judge of Western Township. Her last duty was to have a beautiful 20 foot cross erected in the Lawrence Church cemetery that lit up with solar lights at night. She never was able to see it in person but cherished a picture of it, which Pastor Patch made for her. 

Preceding her in death were her beloved husband, Lorain; both sets of parents; four sisters, three brothers, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Luella (Ernest) Jensen, sister-in-law, Romelda Hanson and two nieces; Sheri and Deb

Survivors include daughters, Barb (Buzz) Amundson, Sandy (John) Piekarski and Sharon (Jim) Piekarski; nine grandchildren; Kari (Dale) Hartman, Trisha (Jack) Brann, Kim (Kevin) Swanson Vickers, Jen (Russ) Knudson, Jacky (Steve) Hensley, Brian (Nycol) Piekarski, Doug (Crystal) Piekarski, Tami (Tony) Stock and Brent (Vanessa) Piekarski; 29 great-grandchildren and two brothers Lyle and Gene (Myrna) Hanson. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.

Dorothy’s family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Pioneer Care Center and Knute Nelson Hospice for their wonderful loving care

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at Olson Funeral and Cremation Chapel in Fergus Falls with visitation one-hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Clergy: Pastor Kevin Patch

Interment: A private family burial will take place at Lawrence Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Wendell, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation, Fergus Falls, MN

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com