ERIC JOHN FLORKE

1974 - 2014

ERIC JOHN FLORKE Eric John Florke, son of Donald and Janet Florke, of Blue Eye, Missouri, was born on July 29, 1974 in Berryville, Arkansas and departed this life on January 11th 2014 in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 39. At age seven, Eric spent summers in Hayward, Wisconsin with his grandparents, Doris and Gene Skille. He attended Blue Eye School and upon graduation, moved to Wisconsin to work on his grandparents Cranberry Farm. He took Criminal Justice classes and completed Emergency Medical Training in Wisconsin. Eric operated heavy machinery, drove a boat on Lake Superior, flew his grandfathers float plane and owned his own plane. He was an accomplished horse man. In 2000, he moved to Sanford, Florida and attended Comair Aviation Academy to complete his lifelong dream of becoming a Pilot. He moved to McAllen, Texas and flew charter Air Ambulance before being employed by Frontera Produce as Chief Pilot of their Learjet. Eric was a lifelong dog lover and owned several dogs. He spent many hours fishing, hunting ducks, pheasants and deer. He will be missed beyond words. Eric is preceded in death by grandfathers, Johnnie L. Florke and John C. Vos. He is survived by his parents, Donald and Janet Florke; sister, Janelle and husband John Siercks; brother, Jeffrey Florke; maternal grandparents, Doris and Gene Skille, paternal grandmother, Jean Florke; maternal grandmother, Corrine Vos; nephew Brennen Siercks, niece, Braylynn Siercks and several aunts, uncles and cousins. A Memorial Service will take place at 1:00pm on Saturday, February 8th 2014 at Community Baptist Church in Port Mansfield, Texas. Following the service, the family will gather in the fellowship hall for a reception. Sign the guest book at www.themonitor.com/obituaries