Pastor Robert E. Gerke

1951 - 2026

Pastor Robert E. Gerke

July 5, 1951 - January 13, 2026

Pastor Robert "Pastor Bob" E. Gerke, 74, of Tomah (Township of Ridgeville) was called to Glory on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. He was born on July 5, 1951, to Harold and June L. (Robertson) Gerke in Sparta. He was baptized into the Christian faith and on May 2, 1965, he was confirmed at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, Tomah.

He graduated from Onalaska Luther High School in 1969. After high school, Bob attended Northwestern College, where he earned his bachelor's degree in liberal arts in 1973. The following year, he began preparing for the pastoral ministry at the seminary in Mequon. As part of his training, he served as a Vicar in Columbus, Wisconsin, in 1976. In 1977, he completed his studies at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and graduated as a pastor within the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod with a Doctorate of Theology. He was called to serve his first church, Good Hope Lutheran Church in Ellensburg, Washington, where he ministered for 6 1/2 years. During this time, he also covered for a neighboring church, Good Faith Lutheran Church in Cle Elum, WA. Later, Pastor Bob was instrumental in establishing Saved by Grace in Medford, OR.

In the fall of 1990, Pastor Gerke took a pause from the ministry and returned to the Tomah area to assist his father, Harold on the family farm. On September 14, 1996, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Ley at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, this year they would have celebrated 30 years of marriage. In addition to farming, he sold cattle, worked for Cardinal Glass for 14 years, drove for Band Box for 6 1/2 years and sorted cranberries for Ocean Spray. During these years, Pastor Bob never lost sight of the Lord's blessing and continued to encourage others to seek the comfort of God's Love.

In 2019, Pastor Gerke returned to the ministry when receiving a call to St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, Ridgeville where he has remained the minister to date.

Throughout the years, Pastor Gerke was affectionately known as "Pastor Bob" by the parishioners of St. John and St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Churches as well as the folks he had met in the community. Always willing to step in wherever there was a need, Pastor Bob devoted much of his time to visiting with members of the congregations. His humility, generosity and genuine care fostered cherished friendships with many, and he was often referred to as "the people's pastor." He was truly a blessing in the lives of countless individuals, touching hearts through God's saving grace.

Greeting others with "God is Good," he never lost sight of the blessings that could be found in the simple graces of each day, and often parted ways with "Lord Bless You," sending you on your day with a simple prayer of God's protection.

As a lifelong member of St. Paul Ev. Lutheran church, Pastor Bob served on the Church Council for many years, was a member of the Men's Club, served on the Board of Encouragement and as an associate outreach minister. He found comfort in the lyrics of the church's hymns and loved lifting his voice in song with the church choir.

Even during his final weeks on hospice care, Pastor Bob continued to participate in church services and faithfully made prayer list calls to members who were themselves on hospice, drawing strength from sharing God's Word and found deep comfort in the promises of Scripture.

Bob held many titles throughout his life, but none meant more to him than husband, father, and grandfather. He took immense pride in his family and found his greatest joy in supporting them. Watching his grandchildren's sporting events was one of his favorite pastimes, and he never missed a chance to be in the stands-cheering loud, proud, and with all the enthusiasm they'd come to expect from him. Baseball was a beloved family tradition, and Bob embraced it fully, coaching his children when they were young and playing softball whenever he had the chance.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; children, Craig Gerke of Portland, OR, Garth (Ashlie) Gerke of Tomah, Paul Gerke of Tomah, Rachel (Josh) Hanson of Watertown; bonus children, Eric (Sara) Swiatly of Sparta, David Swiatly of Tomah and Brian Swiatly of Sparta: Grandkids; Seth, Weston, Roman, Simon, Brielle, Trinity, Eden, Samuel, and Eli; Bonus grandkids: Dillon, Gavin, Ty, Nicholas, Bailey, Allie; siblings, Jim (Carolynn) Gerke, Jean Anderson, and Eldon Gerke; and a sister-in-law, Sonja Ley; and the mother of his children, Dianna Peth. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother-in-law, Dean Anderson

A Prayer Service will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, 7:00 PM at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, 525 Superior Ave., Tomah. Pastor Mark Kahrs will officiate. Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Friday at the church from 4:00 PM until the time of the service.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, 11:00 AM at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church (Ridgeville), 21693 County Hwy A, Tomah. Pastor Mark Kahrs will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Saturday at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.

Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com

Memorials can be given in Pastor Bob's memory to the St. John Ev. Lutheran Church Mission Fund and St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church Tuition Assistance Fund.