Rita M. Gerke

Rita Gerke, 97, passed away peacefully under the care of hospice at Wells Nature View Assisted Living on November 8, 2023.

On January 21, 1926, Rita was born in Beaver Dam, WI to Adam and Evelyn Polsin (Odell) She married Alois (Doc) Gerke on February 5, 1946.  Together they had one son, Daniel, and one daughter, Debra. 

Rita’s greatest joy in life was taking care of others.  She was a medical assistant in Pediatrics and Internal Medicine at Marshfield Clinic for many years. During this time she formed many strong bonds with patients and their families.  She was a loving mom, grandma, and great-grandma and took those roles very seriously. Rita deeply loved her family and always wanted to make sure everyone was taken care of.  She was known as “Grandma Rita” by many and visits with her always included a lot of laughter and food–typically baked goods or her famous potato salad. She shared her love of sewing, painting, crafting, and baking with her family; teaching many how to thread a needle, frost cutout cookies, or use vinegar to clean anything.

RIta was a strong-willed, resilient woman with a great sense of humor.  She lived in her own home until age 95.  Through her 80s, she could be found mowing her lawn, making baby blankets for family and friends, or shopping sales at local stores. 

Rita is survived by her daughter, Debra Krieg, granddaughters Lisa Boone (Deric), Annah Krieg (Max Kellogg), Alison Krieg, Elizabeth Krieg (Wade Schenck), grandson Gregg Gerke, brother, Bob Polsin (Rose Polsin), sister, Evelyn Powers, great-grandchildren Gabe Gerke, Jordan Boone, Ashton Boone, Emerson Schenck, George Schenck, and great-great grandchildren Jaden Boone and Jeremiah Boone. She was preceded in death by her husband Alois, son, Daniel, her siblings Emily, Agnes, Herbert, and son-in-law George Krieg.

The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Wells Nature View and the hospice nurses who took care of Rita.  Their love and kindness will never be forgotten. 

Services will be held on November 18 at Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home in Marshfield.  Visitation will be at 10:00 am and services at 11:00 am with a luncheon to follow.

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