Oless L. Gherke

Oless L. Gherke Oless L. Gherke of Woodbridge, Va. passed away on December 16, 2010 at Mary Washington Hospital. He was 88 years old.

Oless served in the Sixth Airdrome Squadron during World War II. He participated in the Normandy Invasion, Battle of the Bulge, the European Theater, campaigns in France, and the Rhinelands. After his discharge, he attended Marshall College and Glenville State College where he received his BA in education. Later, he earned his masters at West Virginia University. He taught in schools in Dumfries and Lorton as well as becoming the first principal of Triangle Elementary School. Afterward, he taught at Woodbridge High School.

Oless was a chartered member of Cokesbury United Methodist Church and a member of the VEA and NEA.

Survivors are his wife, Marian Heavner Gherke of whom he had been married to for 62 years, also his three daughters, Pamela Weaver (Rick), Cheryl Yoho(Jerry), and Olisa Jeffries(Walter). He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Brice and William Weaver, Andrew and Jeremy Yoho, Christopher Jeffries, and two great-grandchildren Benjamin Jeffries and Olivia Weaver. Also, his survivors include nephews Billy Gherke, Eugene Gherke, Carolyn Small, Pauline Vannoy, Radene Kaehl, Lorraine, Jurlene Thorn, Radene, and Marge Gherke,

Mr. Gherke was preceded in death by his parents Claude and Leota Gherke; his twin brother, Orane, and other siblings Catherine Gherke, Thelma Pickles, Cleburn, Arlan, Olin, and Ira.

Oless cherished his family and all the special times they shared.

He was a gentle soul with a very kind heart. He touched the lives of everyone that came across his path whether they were a stranger or friend.

Oless enjoyed fishing, bird watching, walking at Potomac Mills mall, and socializing with friends over a cup of coffee at McDonald's.

He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 19, 2010 at Miller Funeral Home, 3200 Golansky Blvd. in Woodbridge, Va.

A service to celebrate and remember the life of Oless will be held on Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at 11 a.m. at Cokesbury United Methodist Church.

Interment with military honors will take place on Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at Quantico National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Oless may be made to Cokesbury United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice in his name. Arrangements by Miller Funeral Home

of Woodbridge, Va.





This obituary was originally published in the News & Messenger (Woodbridge, VA).