Ronald "Ron" Dale Gehrke, 93, of rural Spicer, MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, May 26. 

A celebration of life service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, June 19, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar with military honors provided by the Henderson-Lewis American Legion Post #545.  Visitation will begin at 12 noon on Friday, June 19, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  Interment will be later at the Spicer City Cemetery.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Ron was born March 24, 1933, to John Paul Gehrke and Clara Elizabeth (Flickinger) Gehrke. He grew up on the family farm and attended school in Willmar, graduating in 1951. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1953, serving as an airplane mechanic. He was awarded the National Defense Medal and the Good Conduct Medal and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1957. He was a member of the Spicer American Legion for over 50 years.

Ron was united in marriage to Carolyn Lee (Tostenson) Gehrke on June 21, 1969. Ron and Carolyn raised four daughters and farmed at their home in Spicer, MN, raising Great Danes, hogs, cattle, and crops. Ron worked as a mechanic at Halvorson’s in Spicer, Schwanke’s Tractor and Truck in Willmar, and Jennie-O in Willmar. Ron and Carolyn were members of Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar.

Ron was always ready with a story, a word of advice, or to lend a hand. He could fix anything, had a solution for every problem, and was ready for a cup of coffee at any time. In retirement, he continued farming and working on equipment, enjoyed helping his family with projects, and made sure his grandsons were growing up right.

Ron is survived by brothers Ralph Gehrke and Amil Gehrke, daughters Margaret (Edward) Eastman, Elizabeth (Andrew) Hatfield, Debra Powell, and Vicki Krismer, and 4 grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Albert Gehrke, and wife Carolyn.