Clifford E. Gerke

Clifford E. Gerke, age 73, of Austin, Texas, died on August 28, 2007, surrounded by his family at home. He was born on July 22, 1934 in Weaubleau, Missouri. Clifford graduated in 1953 from Appleton High School. He received his Real Estate Brokers License, and then received extensive medical laboratory training which aided him in his work for Medical Labcorp. Clifford served in the U.S. Airforce, receiving many medals and commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Armed Services Longevity Medal. He recently joined Riverbend Church. Clifford enjoyed the Texas coast, fishing in Port Aransas, music, (especially blues and jazz), and spending time outside gardening. Clifford was a very caring man who loved his family dearly. He was a mold of integrity, strength, and faith. He was a loving husband, father, grandpa, and great-grandpa. He imparted his kind nature and sense of what is valuable in life to his friends and family. He was a fighter who never gave up hope while he was battling cancer. He stayed strong not only for himself but for his family. The lessons he taught us were to never give up and to love unconditionally. His spirit and character will never be gone as they live on through all he touched. He was an amazing man and our hero. He is survived by his wife, Maureen Gerke; daughters, Michele Gerke and Tina Ueltschey; son, Carl Gerke; sister, Zelma Normandeau; 4 grandchildren, Mandi Miller, Matthew Miller, Shanna Ueltschey, and Brandy Ueltschey; 3 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by Carol and Tom Paydo and family and Zelma and Don Normandeau and family. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 31, 2007 at Smith Chapel at Riverbend Church, with Reverend Dean Busboom officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Keller Williams Cares, Attn: KW Cares, 807 Las Cimas Parkway, Suite 200, Austin, Texas 78746 or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 149100, Austin, Texas 78714. The family would like to give their special thanks to the following people, for all their love, support, care and concern of Clifford: family and friends, Keller Williams Family, Dr. Jerry Fain of Southwest Regional Cancer Center, Dr. Kenneth Kroll of Capital Medical Clinic, Dr George Brown of Austin Cancer Center, Dr. Mark Clark of Pulmonary Critical Care, and Dr. Michael Watkins, Randalls Pharmacy at Braker and 183, Seton Medical Center and staff, Austin Home Health, and Austin Hospice. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com