Richard Gehrke

Richard Clarence Gehrke 1938 ~ 2007 Richard Clarence Gehrke Dick slipped peacefully through the veil August 15, 2007 in Bonne Terre, MO after a long and courageous battle with Diabetes. Dick was born October 25, 1938 to Clarence Fredrick Gehrke and LaVerne Anne Nielsen in Salt Lake City, Utah. After completing high school at Olympus High, where he excelled at football and wrestling, he played football at Southern Utah University prior to serving an LDS Mission to The British Mission. He completed his undergraduate degree in Southern California and received a Master Degree in Social Work from the University of Utah. Dick dedicated his life to helping wayward youth. He had a positive influence on numerous young men who turned from destructive behavior to successful and productive lives. In addition to his career, as Director of Foster Care, a Division of Family Services for the Salt Lake County Government, he was a foster parents in his personal home. He cared for hundreds of young men and was awarded foster parents of the year in 1983. His ability to teach and influence the youth was truly remarkable. Dick was preceded in death by is sweetheart, Beth Gehrke; his parents and his step father, LeRoy Owen. He is survived by his sons: Todd Earl (Chloe) Gehrke, Mike Gehrke; daughters: Lisa (Richard) Hettich and Heidi (Blake) Rudel; 8 granddaughters; 2 grandsons; 3 brothers; 6 sisters. Our sincere gratitude to all that gave such tender care and unconditional love to him. Dick, your humor, spirit and ability to love others, will remain in our memories until we meet again.