Richard “Dick” Gehrke, 69

Richard “Dick” Gehrke, 69, passed away on Jan. 2, 2015, with family by his side.

 Dick was born in Cass Lake, Minnesota, on Jan. 3, 1945, to Albert and Dorothy Gehrke. He graduated from high school in Cass Lake, then married Marlyce Dahl in 1969. Their two children were born in Wadena, Minnesota.  

He visited 30 different states as a long-haul driver for Cenex before moving to Montana in 1977. Dick then went to work at Columbia Falls Aluminum Company on Jan 18, 1978, until he retired on Oct. 10, 2000. 

While living on McGregor Lake, he enjoyed volunteering for the Marion Fire Department. Some of his favorite activities were getting out in the woods, camping, fishing, hunting and woodturning. He found great pleasure in sharing these activities with his son and grandson. He made many friends in Montana and enjoyed visiting with them.

 Dick is survived by his wife Marlyce, daughter Vicki and Dave Wirkus, son Dennis, grandson Jayden Wirkus, and granddaughter Chantell Gutierrez of Oregon; sister Gloria and Mike Loos of Minnesota; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mom and dad, stepdad, a sister and a brother.

He has been cremated. Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan 9, at Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Home Options hospice.

Columbia Mortuary is caring for Dick’s family.