Mary Gehrke

Mary C. Gehrke, 79, of Hurley, Wisconsin, formerly of Machesney Park, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, November 16, 2021.  Born July 17, 1942, in Lima, Ohio, the daughter of Fred O. and Catherine B. (Lucas) Fisher.  Married William “Bill” R. Gehrke in 1974, in Loves Park, Illinois.  Employed by Harlem School District as a teacher for almost 50 years, retiring in 2017.  She loved spending time with her grandchildren.  Mary was an Illinois Packer Backer.  Avid downhill skier, golfer, pickleball player, hiker, kayaking and snow shoeing.  Survivors include her daughter, Shawna Blum of Roscoe; grandchildren, Blake (Karlee Sipe) Spring, Branson (Brittany Kelley) Spring, Craven Blum, Jenna (Anthony) Galati, and Dr. Sharon (Robin Baessier) Rose; great-granddaughter, Amelia Grace Galati; loving companion, John Halverson of Hurley, WI; stepdaughters, Terri Gehrke and Sherri (Steve) Samelak; brother, Fred Fisher; sister, Ruth Purnell; many near and dear friends.  She will be truly missed.  Predeceased by her parents; husband; and sister, Ginny Fisher.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Cremation rites accorded.  Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park.