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William Gierke Obituary
A graduate of William Howard Taft High School and the University of Illinois at Chicago, Bill began his teaching career with the Chicago Public Schools at Chopin Elementary. He then spent many happy years at Beaubien Elementary where he taught physical education and after school sports before retiring in 2007. Bill was passionate about leaving a positive impression on people's lives both in his profession and beyond.
A proud resident of Des Plaines, Illinois for 40 years, and a lover of all things Chicago, Bill enjoyed playing racquetball at the Lattoff YMCA, bike rides, working in his garden, and more than anything spending time with his children, his brothers (Scott, Glenn, Gregg & Todd), and their families. Bill will be lovingly remembered for his generous heart and joyful spirit.
A celebration of Bill's life will be held when we can gather together. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. jdrf.org JDRF PO Box 37920 Boone, IA 50037-0920
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Robert Newsum
March 8, 2021
May you Rest in Peace in your eternal life.
John Moran
March 7, 2021
Bill was like a brother to me. It started with our time together at Beaubien and continued after we both retired from the CPS. He was the best person that I ever taught with. Please notify me when you have his Memorial.
Jackie Hernandez
January 27, 2021
Jackie Hernandez
January 27, 2021
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Jackie Hernandez
January 27, 2021
Jackie Hernandez
January 27, 2021
I'd like to first express my condolences to the family.
My name is Jackie. I was a student of Mr. Gierke back at Chopin. I can recall Mr. Gierke' s words " Jackie can do it." Regardless of whether I could or not...climbing up the poles, performing a cartwheel; it didn't matter because Mr. Gierke believed I could do it.
That belief led me...many moons later despite my U turns in life to pursue a career...you guessed it as a P.E Teacher. It gets better.
So, I graduate and then receive a call stating there's an opening for a P. E. Teacher at ....Beaubien. Yep, for 13 years I had the opportunity to now work as his equal he would say whenever I called him Mr. Gierke rather than Bill. Think it doesn't get better???
Somewhere within those 13 years I was asked "what's next kiddo?" I was the first in my family to graduate with my masters.
You talk about leaving a positive impression on people's lives, there ya have it! Rest in peace Bill.
The photo is me pointing to my name on the gym. The trophy was given to me by Mr. Gierke in eighth grade. It sits on my desk now for the 24th year here at Beaubien.
terry glatzhofer
December 22, 2020
So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a good friend and teammate on Taft swim team. Have reminisced often of those day and how successful he was. He will be missed. God bless you, his loved ones.
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