Robert J. Gericke

Franksville – Robert J. Gericke, 92, died in his home November 30, 2010. He was born in Racine on August 9, 1918, son of the late Paul W. and Eleanor (nee: Barnhardt) Gericke.

He lived in the Racine area his whole life. Bob lived on Haven Avenue, and was a 1938 graduate of Park High School where he was a good student, concert master in the orchestra, and was an excellent athlete on the track team. He also developed a love for speed skating and bicycle racing. Bob continued playing the violin in the Racine Symphony for many years. Bob served in the Navy in WWII and was in the Pacific on the battleship USS California as a ship’s photographer. After VJ-Day the ship returned home to Philadelphia through the Indian Ocean and around the Horn of Africa. After the war he married his sweetheart, Betty Hengeveld, and built their home in the woods in Franksville where they raised their family. He shared his interest in skating, biking, skiing and the outdoors with his children.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman. He loved canoeing, camping, river-rafting, fishing, and hunting. He especially enjoyed the annual deer hunt at their cabin in northern Wisconsin. His last trip there was just last week. He kept a garden most of his life, and loved the freshness of its harvest. He enjoyed watching the birds out his kitchen window. Bob and Betty were long time members of the Sierra Club and very involved in club activities, leading and participating in many trips. Bob worked in the Tool and Die industry, retiring from Jensen Sheet Metal in 1986. Bob was a kind and cheerful man. He always loved little children and would hold and play with them whenever he could. He was interested in the world and thoughtful and generous to his friends. He will be missed.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty Gericke; his children Bruce (Colleen) Gericke of Stevensville, Montana, Dale (Betsy) Gericke of Julian, Pennsylvania; and Iris (Rob) Harrison of Sandpoint, Idaho; his grandchildren, Aaron and David Gericke, and Robert and Lydia Harrison; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Friends are invited visit with the family in the funeral home on Saturday, December 4th, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. An informal memorial to celebrate his life and time to share your stories and memories of him will begin at 2:00 p.m. Memorials to the Southeast Gateway Group of the Sierra Club, 1529 Crabapple Dr. Racine, WI 53405 have been suggested.