Ernest William Gerke

Ernest W. Gerke, 95, of Des Moines, IA, passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at his home.

Funeral Services will begin at 1:00 p.m., Friday, December 8, 2023 at Simplify Cremations and Funerals with visitation being held one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at the Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines, lA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made out to the DAV Thrift Store. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.simplifyiowa.com.

Ernest was born on December 2, 1928 to Conrad and Pearl (Overstate) Gerke in Baxter, IA. He graduated in 1946 from Baxter High School. Ernest married the love of his life, Barbara Hickman on May 29, 1949 in Marshalltown, IA. To this marriage they had six children. Ernest was a truck driver for 52 years. He was a member of the million mile club awarded by the national safety council. You could find Ernest outside enjoying his time fishing or gardening. He was also an avid Nascar fan cheering on Richard Petty. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

He is survived by his five children; Pamela Gerke of Des Moines, Paula (Jerry) Palmer of Des Moines, Randy Gerke of Des Moines, Ronald (Emily) Gerke of Des Moines, Phyllis Strauss of Wiley, TX, thirteen grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, and one brother, Richard, of Princeton, MO. He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, one son, Raymond Gerke, parents, Conrad and Pearl Gerke, one sister, Mary Koester, one grandson,

Daniel Jacob Gerke, one great granddaughter, Candance Angel Cummins, one son-in-law, Jeff Strauss and one daughter-in-law, Patricia Gerke.