Bertha Elsie Gerke

Bertha Elsie Gerke, 94, a lifelong resident of Hubbard Lake passed away peacefully at Medilodge of Alpena early afternoon on Sunday, May 25, 2025, with family by her side.
Bertha Elsie Hoeberling was born February 22, 1931, to her late parents Henry and Laura (Kauer) Hoeberling in Hubbard Lake, MI. As an ambitious teenager at age 14 Bertha left Hubbard Lake with her sister Alice and together for the summer they headed downstate for employment. Bertha began work at the Elbow Room Restaurant in Flint as a waitress and Alice worked for AC Spark Plug, Flint. Returning to Alpena area Bertha continued employment at Dietz Dairy Ice Cream Parlor, Maxwell House and Johnny Johnson as a private live-in nanny/housekeeper working for $3.00 a week plus room and board all while attending high school. Bertha graduated from Alpena High School in June of 1949 and married Howard Gerke on July 2, 1949, who preceded her in death on April 8, 2005. Bertha joined Howard on the family farm. She had a flair for sewing, hand quilting, cooking, baking and preserving the many vegetables and fruits from the garden. Bertha enjoyed participating in Hope Lutheran Church, Hubbard Lake choir, the annual Christmas bazaar and together with sisters Ida Eller and Alice Schiellerd started the Hope Church sewing group. Bertha took pride in serving 19 years as Ossineke Township Clerk and is noted to be the first "woman" on the township board. Following her retirement as township clerk Bertha enjoyed 25 years of Florida sunshine each winter. Bertha enjoyed three summers employed at the Alpena County Club as dishwasher/cook. Bertha enjoyed music concerts, Florida Flea Markets and hosting her own garage sales.
Bertha is survived by her three sons: Gary (Ann) Gerke of Herron, Earl (friend Karen) Gerke of Lachine, Kurt (Tina) Gerke of Hubbard Lake: eight grandchildren: Lori (Matt) McKay, Brad (Rachel) Gerke, Brian Gerke, Jason Gerke, Kris (Leona Ritthaler) Gerke, Kristen (Dan) Liske, Kari (Josh) Bustillos, Kim (Dan) Prevo; 16 great-grandchildren: Ashley McKay, Brittany (Kole) Piper, Alyssa DeLisle, Kelli DeLisle, Layne Gerke, Kaleb Gerke, Malia Gerke, Hailey Liske, Hannah Liske, Emma Liske, Eva Liske, Rush Bustillos, Lexi Bustillos, Evan Prevo, Jensen Prevo and Dylan Prevo; 3 great-great grandchildren: Phoenix Loughery, Oliver Piper, Motley Piper; a special niece Lorraine (Eller) Kubbe who Bertha considered her "youngest sister" and many other nieces and nephews.
Bertha is preceded in death by a granddaughter Stacy Gerke DeLisle and her siblings; Herman Hoeberling, Ruth Wilke, Ida Eller, Laura Burgess, Dora Schultz, Alice Schiellerd, and John Hoeberling.
Visitation will take place at Bannan Funeral Home on Friday, May 30, 2025, from 2 - 8 pm. Visitation will continue at Hope Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral services at 11 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Bryan R. Salminen officiating. Burial at Salem Lutheran Cemetery, Hubbard Lake.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hope Lutheran Church, 5462 Nicholson Hill Road, Hubbard Lake, MI 49747 or Hospice of Michigan, 199 Long Rapids, Alpena 49707.
The family of Bertha Gerke wishes to sincerely thank MyMichigan Medical Center/Inpatient Rehab, Residential Home Care, Medilodge of Alpena and Hospice of MI staff for the support and comfort provided to Bertha.