Carole Gehrke

Carole Gehrke, age 68, of North Mankato, died Monday, December 22, 2008 at Hillcrest Health Care Center, Mankato.

Memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Friday, December 26, 2008 at Mankato Mortuary with Rev. Steve Kosberg officiating. Visitation will be from 5 " 7 p.m., Friday at Mankato Mortuary.

Carole was born August 11, 1940 to Oscar John and Lenora Violet (Kohls) Ulrich in New Ulm. She graduated from New Ulm High School in 1958. Carole was united in marriage to Roger Gehrke on December 3, 1960, they were later divorced. Carole had been employed at WINCO of LeCenter for 14 years and DHL-Airborne Express of Mankato for 12 years before retiring. Carole was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and the VFW Auxiliary both of LeCenter. Carole enjoyed reading and riding her Gold Wing Motorcycle.
Carole is survived by four children, Russell (Laurie) Brunette of Vernon Center, Deborah Williams of Lakeville, Denise (Gary) Peterson of Mapleton, Colleen (Gene) Spars of Farmington; ten grandchildren, Jesse Blaschko, Josh (Kelli) Williams, Samantha and Amanda Williams, Carrie, Casey, and Jake Peterson, Becca, and Lindsay Spars; siblings, Charles Ulrich, Orten (Marlys) Ulrich all of Redwood Falls, Thomas Ulrich of Ham Lake, Norma Jean Putnam of Redwood Falls; many nieces and nephews.

Carole was preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Gina Lee Gehrke on December 21,1983; two sisters, Marianne Schmidt and Charlotte Bartelt; two brothers, Donald Ulrich and Leon Ulrich.