Edwin "Butch" Gebke Obituary (1932

Edwin "Butch" Gebke, age 80 of Bartelso, passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2013, at his home in Bartelso. He was born on November 9, 1932, in Bartelso, a son of Anthony "Tony" and Regina (Wellinghoff) Gebke. He married Ruth "Boots" Becker on October 12, 1954, at St. Anthony's Church in Beckemeyer and she survives in Bartelso. In addition to his wife, Mr. Gebke is survived by his children - Randy Gebke and wife Peggy, Terry Gebke and wife Bev, Connie Gebke and husband Dennis, Allan Gebke, Jeff Gebke and wife Lisa, Lisa Johnson and husband Kenny and Tanya Loepker and husband Troy, all of Bartelso; his grandchildren - Erica Riechmann and husband Matt; Adam Gebke and wife Melissa; Travis Gebke; Brooke Dierkes and husband Joe; Courtney Hollenkamp and husband Keith; Lacey Hilmes and husband Duane; Paige, Haley and Trever Johnson; Jace, Connor and Trent Loepker and Dylan Gebke; and his great grandchildren - Braxton Rennegarbe, Amelia Riechmann, Wyatt Gebke, Quinn Dierkes and Aliya Hollenkamp. Mr. Gebke is also survived by his brothers and sisters - Theresa Jansen and husband Bob of Breese, Regene Heckenkemper and husband Virgil of Albers, Germaine "Whitey" Gebke of Bartelso, Robert Gebke of Breese, Eugene Gebke and wife Joann of Bartelso and his in-laws - Dolly Gebke of Bartelso, Virginia Beckmann of Beckemeyer, Andrew Becker of Centralia and Laverne Becker and wife Elva of O'Fallon, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents - Anthony and Regina Gebke; a grandson - Jeffrey William Gebke; 2 brothers - Tom Gebke and Anthony Gebke, Jr. and a brother-in-law - Paul "Pete" Beckmann. Butch worked as a petroleum salesman for FS from 1950 - 1999. After retiring, he worked as a part time bus driver for Southern Bus and Mobility for 10 years. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served one year in the combat zone during the Korean War. Mr. Gebke was a lifelong member of St. Cecilia Church in Bartelso; a member and past commander of Bartelso American Legion, Post 976; a member of the Catholic War Veterans; a member and Past Grand Knight of Bartelso Knights of Columbus, Council 4745; member of 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, Bishop Henry J. Althoff Assembly 193; as well as the Bartelso Young At Heart. He loved spending time with his family and friends, woodworking and working with and grafting trees. Butch was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and card player. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 31, 2013, at St. Cecilia Church in Bartelso with Fr. James Buerster, celebrant. Inurnment will follow at St. Cecilia Cemetery. Visitation will be held at St. Cecilia Church on Wednesday, October 30, from 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. and on Thursday from 1:00 - 2:00 P.M. Memorial donations in memory of Mr. Gebke are suggested to St. Cecilia Church or to Mater Dei High School and will be received at the church or at Zieren Day Funeral Home. Previous EventsVisitation Wednesday, October 30, 2013 St. Cecilia Church 308 South Washington Street Bartelso, IL 62218 Visitation Thursday, October 31, 2013 St. Cecilia Church 308 South Washington Street Bartelso, IL 62218 Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, October 31, 2013 St. Cecilia Church 308 South Washington Street Bartelso, IL 62218