Rita M. Gerke

Rita M. Gerke, 81, of Decatur, Indiana, passed away Sunday, September 27, 2020, at Adams Memorial Hospital.

She was born on April 3, 1939 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to the late Herman H. Hockemeyer and the late Mary E. (Beebe) Hockemeyer.

Rita was united in marriage to Donald W. Gerke on June 5, 1959 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana and he survives.

She was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Fuelling where she was on the Altar Guild, and the decorating committee.

In Rita’s early years, she worked at Eckrich processing department, which is where she met the love of her life Don. Rita retired from Bellmont Middle School Cafeteria after 28 years of service and also helped on the family farm.

Rita enjoyed going to softball games, painting, making baskets, styling wigs, upholstering, and ceramics. Rita along with friends, made the beautiful ceramic nativity set that is displayed in the front of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Fuelling. Rita and Don enjoyed going on houseboat vacations with friends. She felt blessed with a lovely home, wonderful family, and caring church family. Rita always said that Don was “one heck of a caregiver,” with the many challenges concerning her health through the years.

Survivors include her husband of 61 years Donald W. Gerke of Decatur, Indiana; two sons, Timothy (Janeen) Gerke of Decatur, Indiana and Troy M. (fiancé, Shelly Edwards) Gerke of Monroe, Indiana; daughter, Tina (Amanda Hamblen) Barker of Decatur, Indiana; seven grandchildren, Blake (Brittany) Gerke, Brooks Gerke, Bailey (Courtney) Brodie, Josh (Heather) Korte, Brian (Kelly) Korte, Kelsey (fiancé Derek Ellinger) Barker, Trey Gerke; and10 great-grandchildren and one on the way.

She was preceded in death by her son, Todd Gerke on December 15, 2015; and two sisters, Marlene Keesler and Rosemary Cooper.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Fuelling. with Rev. Leonard Tanksley officiating. Interment will follow at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Fuelling. Masks are required for the safety of Rita’s family. Those coming are asked to arrive and be seated 15 minutes prior to the start of the service.

Family and friends will be received from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur. Masks are required for the safety of Rita’s family.

Preferred memorials can be given to St. Peter Lutheran Church, Fuelling or the ACCF- Todd Gerke Memorial Fund.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, Indiana