Wallace Gehrke

Wallace August Gehrke, born June 21, 1926 in Flaxton, ND to August and Josephine Gehrke died September 20, 2012 at Banner Heart Hospital in Mesa, AZ. Upon his graduation from Flaxton High School, Wallace attended Wahpeton State School of Science where he graduated with a degree in accounting/business. He served in World War II from 1944 to 1946 in the US Navy aboard the USS Maryland in the South Pacific. In 1947 Wally married Beverly J. Christianson of Coteau, ND and subsequently worked in telecommunications for more than 40 years, residing in Ellendale, Mohall, Minot, and Fargo, ND. Beverly and Wally have spent their retirement years in Mesa, AZ. Along with being a sports fan, Wally also enjoyed traveling, spending time with his family, and had been an active member of Christ Lutheran Church in Minot and Messiah Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND. He and Beverly were members of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Mesa at the time of his passing. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, two sons: Greg (Becky) Phoenix, AZ and Brad (Kathy) Albuquerque, NM, and one daughter Barb (Steve) Blikre, Minot, ND. Wally was especially proud of his eight grandchildren: Kelly (Bob) Lyle, Austin, TX; Jay Gehrke, Scottsdale, AZ; Brock (Jamie) Blikre, Mesa, AZ; Joshua (Trina) Blikre, Bismarck, ND; David (Mandie) Blikre, Minot, ND; Scott Gehrke, Tempe, AZ; James Gehrke, Albuquerque, NM; and John Gehrke, Tempe, AZ, along with 12 great-grandchildren. A family memorial service will be held on Friday, September 28, 2012 at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Mesa, AZ. Interment to follow at the National Memorial Cemetery, Phoenix, AZ.