Dale R. Gehrke, 86, Hewitt, passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at Wells Nature View on 21st Street, taking his last breath on the opening day of the Central Wisconsin State Fair - his favorite week of the year.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Auburndale with Father Peter Raj officiating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm on Monday, August 25 at Rembs Funeral Home, Marshfield with a Knights of Columbus rosary service at 6:30 pm. Visitation will also take place from 9:00 am until the time of service at the church on Tuesday.

Dale was born on May 19, 1939 in Marshfield to Robert and Clara (Proesel) Gehrke. He graduated from Auburndale High School in 1957. He married "his brown eyed girl" Marjorie Derfus on May 15, 1965 at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Rozellville, recently celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary.

He farmed the 3rd generation family farm, earning Century Farm status in 1998. He was a Pioneer Seed Salesman. After selling his cows in 1999 he continued to cash crop. He enjoyed riding his ranger to check his fields and the wildlife.

Dale and Marge sold their farm in 2013 and moved to Hewitt. There he enjoyed riding his scooter on the roads, trails, and to his grandchildren's ballgames. In July 2023 he moved to Wells Nature View, which became his "other home." There he loved to play bingo, winning treats for his many visitors. He enjoyed sitting outside with other residents.

His wife and family meant the world to him. He always brightened up and had a grin when family and friends walked in.

He was the treasurer at St. Francis Catholic Church in Arpin until its closing. Dale was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Auburndale, the Holy Name Men, and the Knights of Columbus Council #4646.

He was on many boards including Wood County Farm Supply, Mid Am Dairy, Equity Livestock Association, the Farm Service and Land Conservation Committee. He was active as a 4-H leader on the CWSF Market Sale Committee and Auburndale FFA Alumni.

He is survived by his wife, Marjorie, children: Karla Gehrke of Marshfield, Gary Gehrke of Arpin, Allen (Kathy) Gehrke of Sherry, Bill (Tracy) Gehrke of Auburndale, Cindy (Dan) Snortheim of Arpin, and Brenda (Neal) Potts of Marshfield, grandchildren: Leah (Seth) Reed, Mitch (Krystina) Gehrke, Kaytie (Brandon) Beggs, Kelly Gehrke, Heidi (Nick) Mastrocola, Cody (Shannon) Gehrke, Amanda (Andy Heiman) Gehrke, Jenna (Andrew) Brogan, Sara Snortheim, Adam Potts, and Michelle Potts, great grandchildren: John and Ava Gehrke, Caroline Reed, Melody and James Mastrocola, Kaysen Beggs, and 2 more on the way.

He is further survived by his siblings: Janet (Carl) Roehl of Woodbury, MN, Dennis (Sue) Gehrke of Arpin, and Joan (Ted) Meyer of Spencer, in laws: Ron (Karleen) Derfus, Janet Wellner, Butch (Shirley) Derfus, Carol Schulte, all of Marshfield, Alice (Joe) Schetski of Mosinee, Norb Derfus of Stratford, Judy (Mel) Schroeder of Schoolcraft, MI, and Dave Derfus of Durango, CO.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Clara Gehrke, and parents in law, Frank and Martha Derfus, brothers and sisters in law: Alvin Wellner, Greg Schulte, Mary, Pat, Roger, and John Derfus

The family would like to thank Jen and the staff of Wells Nature View for their wonderful care the past two years, as well as Shannon with Compassus Home Health and Brianna and Kim with St. Croix Hospice and their staff.

Memorials can be donated to St. Mary's Catholic Church in Auburndale and the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society.