John Richard Gehrke, Sr.

John R. Gehrke, Sr., of Annandale Minnesota died on February 7, 2026, peacefully in his sleep at CentraCare Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota

John was born on June 14, 1942, in Worth, Illinois.  He married Pamela Aitken in February 1965 and together raised two children while residing in Two Harbors and Cass Lake, Minnesota.  In May of 1993, John married Tammy Wittner and together raised one child while residing in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

He was a jack of all trades, John served in the US Navy and Reserve, he worked at Silver Bay Mining, he was an insurance investigator, business owner of a Pizza Restaurant, Pharmacist, Political Lobbyist, Maintenance Supervisor, Boiler Operator, and Owned a Painting and Remodeling business.  He retired at the age of 82 years old. 

He is survived by his ex-wives, Pamela Lausche and Tammy Gehrke, his children: Kari and Bryan Gehrke, his grandchildren: Cole Demo, Chris (Kayla) Demo, and Anarae Gehrke.  His great grandchildren:  Julia, Jayanna, Christopher and Leland, his sister: Elaine Countryman, brother-in-law, Don Gehrke, and several nieces and nephews

He is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Georgene and Adolph Gehrke, his sister, Shirley Gehrke, and his son John Gehrke, Jr.

John enjoyed reading, politics, a good conversation, playing cards, sports, fishing, camping, hunting, beaches, drinks, flipping houses, tropical vacations, driving cross-country vacations, and spending time with family and friends.  He loved to travel or just sit at home with a good book. 

He touched many lives and will be missed.

A celebration of John’s life will be held on Friday, February 13th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Northern Peace Funeral Home, 114 Tianna Drive, Walker, MN.  Inurnment will be in the Pine Grove Cemetery at Cass Lake, MN following his celebration.

John’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN.  Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com

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