Eva M. "Eve" Gerke

Eva M. "Eve" Gerke (nee Kartje), age 102, a resident of Villa St. Benedict in Lisle, IL since 2006, former longtime resident of Western Springs, IL, passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at her home. She was born on February 8, 1923, in Chicago, IL.
Beloved wife of the late Robert J. Gerke, whom she married September 24, 1949 and who preceded her in death on August 12, 1993, loving mother of Francine E. (the late David J.) Waters of Maryland and Robert D. "Bob" (Kris) Gerke of Naperville, adored grandmother of Eve (Scott Brown) Waters and Andrew Waters; Sarah (Joseph) King and Stephen (Caitlin) Gerke, cherished great-grandmother of Patrick and David Brown; Lucas, Brooklyn, Jackson, Elizabeth "Libby" and Kyle King; Ellison Gerke and twins, Jameson and Addison Gerke, devoted daughter of the late Andrew and Magdalene Kartje, dear twin sister of the late Frances (the late Joseph) Kowske, fond aunt, great-aunt, great-great aunt and friend of many.
Eve and her identical twin sister were born in Chicago on February 8, 1923. After college, she worked as an Executive Secretary with her sister until Eve started her family. In the early sixties, Eve, Bob, and their children moved to Western Springs where they both became active in their parish, St, John of the Cross. She quickly learned to play bridge and became an excellent bridge player. She routinely played at Villa St. Benedict well into her 90's. She also loved to travel, including cruising. She joined her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren on several cruises (always looking forward to bingo) and loved being with the kidlets, as she called them. Her favorite time of year was the season of Christmas, especially since she was able to experience the joy and laughter in her family when they would all get together. Eve was blessed to have shared and witnessed a wonderful and fulfilling century of caring and love.
A visitation will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, 3:00-7:00 PM at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville, IL 60540.
An additional visitation will be held on Saturday, January 3, 10:00-11:00 AM in the Sacred Heart Monastery Chapel at Villa St. Benedict, 1920 Maple Ave., Lisle
A Mass of Christian Burial will follow Saturday, 11:00 AM in the Sacred Heart Monastery Chapel.
Entombment: Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Eve's name may be made to:
Alzheimer's Association – Illinois Chapter, 2200 Cabot Drive, Suite 460, Lisle, IL 60532, 1-847-933-2413, or online at www.alz.org/illinois/donate
Arrangements by Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Naperville, IL.
For more information, please visit www.friedrich-jones.com or call (630) 355-0213.