1923
2013
Gilbert "Gil" Gericke, age 89, a resident of Spooner, died on Sunday, July 7, 2013, at the Spooner Health System.
Gil was born in Chicago, Illinois, to parents Otto and Minnie Gericke. After school, he joined the U.S. Marines Corps in 1943. During the Battle of Pallalu, Gil suffered a knee injury that ultimately led to him being medically discharged as a 1st Sgt on August 8, 1946. On October 9, 1948, Gil was united in marriage to Ruth Thornley in Chicago, Illinois. To this union, a daughter Lynn was born in 1949. In 1952, the family moved to Spooner where Gil worked various jobs and eventually retired from the U.S. Post Office in 1974. After his retirement, the couple continued to live on Middle McKenzie Lake for many years. Gil was a member of the Disabled American Veteran, the Masons, and a attended the Spooner United Methodist Church.
Gil is survived by his grandchildren: Tina (Troy) Bol of Chetek, WI, Shane Roberts of Rice Lake, WI, several great grandchildren, brother in law William "Bill" Thornley Sr., and many nieces and nephews.
Gil is preceded in death by his parents, wife Ruth, daughter Lynn, one brother and 2 sisters.
Memorial services for Gil Gericke will be held on Wednesday, July 17, 2013, at 1 pm, at the Dahl Funeral Home with visitation from 12-1 at the Funeral Home on Wednesday. Interment with Military Honors will follow at the Spooner Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
July 20, 2013
Thank you, thank you, thank you for being a wonderful grandpa and giving me such great memories! You and Grandma gave so selflessly to so many - and with no expectation of anything in return. I can only hope that my life will reflect on others in a similar way. It was an honor and blessing to be part of your life. I love you and will forever miss you...
Tina Bol (Chetek, WI)
July 17, 2013
Renee LaCroix
Gil,
So now you're with Ruthie & Lynn, all of you shining down from above. It's clear that your love over the years has made an indelible imprint in many memories. Everyone will find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared your love. Many were looking forward to sharing your 90th – but now, you're in a better place where every day is a celebration.
With love and remembrance,
July 16, 2013
Tammy Hartwig
My Dearest Uncle/Dad, I miss you SO very much! I want you to know that I have been working VERY hard to honor your last wishes EXACTLY as you wanted. I hope that you are looking down and are happy with what I have done. I will be finalizing everything today and I REALLY hope that you are pleased with the ceremony tomorrow.
ALL my love,
Tammy
July 11, 2013
Bill Thornley
About a year ago I heard someone say to Gil, “You used to be a Marine, huh?” Gil remarked, “Still am. Once a Marine, always a Marine.” ANother great member of the WWII generation gone, but never forgotten!
July 10, 2013
Shane Roberts
"Thank you for always being there grandpa!! You are one of the most honorable, kind hearted, and trustworthy people I have ever known. Love you!!"
July 10, 2013
HI BRO, WELL OL' BUDDY, COULDN'T QUITE MAKE # 90 BUT THOSE 89 + YOU LIVED, WERE GREAT ONES. I WILL MISS YOU BROTHER, AND HOPE TO SEE YOU AGAIN DOWN THE ROAD LOVE ALWAYS BROTHER BILL THORNLEY SR.
July 10, 2013
Darlene Heidlauf
Was hoping to be with you for your 90th! I will miss talking to you and so will Jerry. Thank you for being such a kind uncle and godfather. Love, Darlene
July 10, 2013
Tammy Hartwig
Sure do miss you already big guy!! I know you were going to try and make it your 90th and didn't quite so, sharing a photo of you with your cake from last year. You were a special guy and will be missed by many but I KNOW you are happy and pain free now so, that makes it OK for me.
Love You Lots!!
Tammy
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