Lila Marie Gehrke

Lila Marie (Roessler) Gehrke, age 89 of Mondovi, WI passed away at her home on Friday, December 7, 2018. She was born on November 14, 1929 in LaCrosse, WI the daughter of John and Vernie (Dienger) Roessler. Lila was baptized at her home in LaCrosse, WI shortly after birth by Pastor Beitz on December 1, 1929. She was confirmed in the Lutheran faith at St. John's Lutheran Church, Alma, WI on April 18, 1943. Upon graduation from Alma High School, she worked as the secretary for Dr. Bachhuber in Alma, WI until her marriage to Edwin Gehrke on December 7, 1947. Edwin and Lila farmed in the Modena-Gilmanton area until 1956 and then moved to Shawano, WI. Lila worked for 14 years as a secretary for St. James Lutheran School in Shawano, WI. In 1973, Edwin and Lila moved to Durand, WI. Lila worked for 18 years as a paralegal for the law office of Whelan, Morey and Ricci S.C. in Durand, WI and managed the H&R Block office in Durand, WI for 4 years. She also worked part-time for several years for Buffalo Memorial Manor, now know as American Lutheran Home in Mondovi, WI. In 1987, Edwin and Lila moved to Mondovi, WI where she since has been a member of Zion Lutheran Church. Edwin passed away on November 24, 1995. From 1997-2000, Lila served as a volunteer missionary for Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, spending nearly a year in St. Petersburg, Russia and over a year at Ysleta Lutheran Mission in El Paso, Texas. Edwin and Lila helped organize the first chapter of Lutherans for Life in the State of Wisconsin. Lila was involved in the numerous ladies organizations including, Lutheran Women's Missionary League for each of her home congregations. She was a 4-H leader, belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary and the American Lutheran Home Auxiliary. She enjoyed playing cards with family and friends in many different groups. Lila is survived by her four children, Dennis (Dorothy) of Oconomowoc, WI, Bonnie Klamm of Northfield, MN, Patricia (Edwin) Kuerschner of Grafton, WI and Rebecca Murdock of Appleton, WI; 13 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; brother, Donald (Joan) Roessler; numerous other extended family and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edwin; grandson, Jacob Edward Klamm; great-granddaughters, Faith Victoria Adler and Emma Jean Murdock and sister, Eunice. A funeral service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, Mondovi, WI on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 11:00 am with Pastor Scott Johnson officiating. Burial will be held at Saint Pauls Lutheran Cemetery, Modena, WI at a later date. A visitation will be held at the church on Friday, December 14, 2018 from 4:00-7:00 pm and then again on Saturday one hour prior to the service. Talbot Family Funeral Homes, Mondovi Chapel is assisting the family. Memorial donations would be appreciated to the Zion Lutheran Church Mission Fund or to Lutherans for Life. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord. We give thanks to God our Father through Jesus Christ, our Lord, for our sister, Lila.