Darlene Ann GEHRKE

GEHRKE, Darlene Ann (Roman)

55, died Wednesday, March 29, 2017 after a daring and fearless fight with pancreatic cancer. She passed away in the comfort of her home, surrounded by those she loved.

Darlene was born on May 18, 1961 in Jamestown, NY to Velma and Joseph Roman and was the youngest and only daughter of six children. Her family moved to Maryland when Darlene was very young and eventually relocated to Zephyrhills, FL when she was 10 years old. Darlene was an honor graduate in the class of 1979 from Zephyrhills High School, where she met her future husband and fellow classmate, Clifford Gehrke. They married October 19, 1984 at First Assembly of God in Zephyrhills, FL.

From a young age, Darlene demonstrated a deep appreciation for fine arts. She carried her passion into college, graduating with both a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from Florida State University and a Master of Education from the University of South Florida. She worked as a graphic artist at the Zephyrhills News for several years before dedicating herself to raising her children full-time, and later using her talents for teaching. Over the course of 16 years, she taught art to hundreds of children throughout the nation as her family moved with her husband's military service. She fulfilled a life-long dream over the last few years by designing and creating pottery in her personal studio. She loved to teach and spread her love to others by sharing her art. She will forever be remembered for her elegance, sharp wit, and relentless faithfulness to the Lord.

She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Clifford Gehrke; her son, Drew Gehrke; her daughter Julia (Gehrke) Pitts and her husband Carl; her mother, Velma Roman; brothers, Alan Roman and wife, Kathy, Michael Roman and wife, Janey, Brian Roman and wife, Penny; mother-in-law, Arlene Gehrke; brother-in-law, Lenard Gehrke and sisters-in-law, Meg Roman and Kay Gehrke; and multiple nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm, April 14 at the First Assembly of God located at 36322 State Rd. 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33541. The Zephyrhills High School Class of '79 has established a fund to provide art scholarships in Darlene's name. Visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Darlene-Gehrke-Art-Scholarship-1339400766152886/?pn