Robert "Bob" J. Gehrke

Robert “Bob” James Gehrke of Ripon, WI, passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at Prairie Place in Ripon, WI, with his loving family by his side.

Bob was born on January 23, 1944 in Madison, WI while his father was a UW ROTC instructor during WW II. His parents were Robert A. Gehrke and Dorothy (nee Fischer) Gehrke. He grew up in Ripon, happily involved in sports, band, Boy Scouts (earning his Eagle Scout's badge in 1960 in the same troop as his son and then later his grandson earned their Eagle Scout badges.) He also eagerly loved helping his grandfather, Alfred Gehrke, with all the various farm projects and activities on the family land, while growing up. After graduating from Ripon High School in 1962, he attended Ripon College. During his four college years, he was active in his Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, ROTC, the rifle team, and playing his trumpet in the college jazz band. This included a three month stint on a USO Dance Band tour in the Far East! He also received aviation training through the ROTC program, earning his pilot's license. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and his ROTC military commission in the spring of 1966.

During his college years, he spent his summers at Interlochen Music Camp (now called the Interlochen Performing Arts Center) in Michigan as a lifeguard, swimming instructor, and camp counselor. It was there that he met a fellow lifeguard, Sarah Hook. They married in November of 1966.

Bob was granted a deferral from military active duty for two years to attend the Guidance and Counseling program at UW-Oshkosh where he earned his Masters degree. He then entered his Army active duty in the fall of 1968 at Fort Knox, KY for his Armor Basic training followed by his aviation school at Fort Stewart, GA, then Fort Rucker, Alabama. He graduated in the fixed wing proficiency aviation school in December 1969. He then was assigned to the 21st Aviation Company in Chu Lai, Vietnam for the year of 1970. He flew bird dogs that did reconnaissance to direct artillery fire on the ground below. He was promoted to Captain while in Vietnam and earned the National Defense Service Medal, Army Aviation badge, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Bob left active duty in the spring of 1971 but maintained his military involvement with the Wisconsin Army National Guard and Army Reserve. It was then that he transitioned into the UH-1 Rotary Wing (helicopter) flying. This skill was also utilized when he was part of the State of Wisconsin Med Flight Air Transport program. In the summer of 1985 Bob (with other Army pilots) flew National Guard Army helicopters into the Oshkosh EAA (Experimental Aviation Association) as part of the Salute to Vietnam Veterans. He was able to stay in the military for over 28 years, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 in 2002. His involvement in aviation led to a life-long passion for flying, including his civilian flight instruction and flying his Cessna both locally and cross country.

Bob's biggest passion in life was definitely watching his children and then later his grandchildren grow into wonderful adults! Their daughter Johnna was born in early 1976 and son Erik in late 1976. He instilled in them their strong love of family and of the family land.

When Bob retired from the military in 2002, he and his wife Sarah (who also retired then from teaching in Sun Prairie Public Schools), spent their winters in Venice, FL, and the rest of the year in their Ripon home. Throughout their adventurous and happy 59 years of marriage, they enjoyed many rescue dogs who were always important members of the family. They loved their daily dog walks, reading, swimming, boating, motor cycling, and socializing with their many special friends, and most importantly, being Nana and Papa to their precious grandchildren, Sophia Knoke, Cecilia Knoke, Benjamin Gehrke, and Emma Gehrke.

Bob is predeceased by his parents, Robert A. and Dorothy Gehrke; and his sister, Catherine Gehrke Benfield. He is survived by his wife Sarah; daughter, Johnna (Andy) of Ripon; son, Erik (Jennifer) of Ripon; and his four grandchildren.

Memorial donations can be made to the Green Lake Area Animal Shelter, PO Box 86, Green Lake, WI 54941 in appreciation for all the wonderful rescue dogs sheltered there.

A private inurnment will be held at the Hillside Cemetery family plot in Ripon.

The family is very grateful to the staff at Prairie Place for their wonderful and professional care of Bob before his passing.

A Celebration of Life with military honors will be held later this spring at the Green Lake American Legion Hall. Friends and family are all invited to share stories and memories that keep Bob's memory alive.