Dorothy Louise Gerk, 79, of Sterling, died Sunday, June 7, 2009, in Sterling. Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home. Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 11, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, with Fr. Robert Wedow officiating. Inurnment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Sterling.
She was born Jan. 10, 1930, to James and Maryann (Sommer) Applehans. Dorothy grew up on a farm north of Sterling and attended school in Padroni until 1942, when the family moved to town. She then attended St. Anthony Catholic School, graduating in 1949.
Dorothy married Raymond Gerk on Jan. 10, 1950. They remained in Sterling their entire married life, working and raising four children, Julie, Janice, Jim and Dan.
Dorothy spend many years cleaning homes in the area for extra money as her children were growing up.
Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a special place in her heart and she spent much of her time with her family. She enjoyed reading, fishing and spending time in the mountains camping. The camping trips always included at least part of the family, giving all the grandchildren turns accompanying her and Ray.
Dorothy was an excellent cook and loved to prepare food for her family and others. She was always looking for new recipes but most of the time none were needed. All were welcome and there was always plenty to eat. Her family especially loved her meals of German food. She was always quick to repay others for a good deed by bringing them homemade noodles, cabbage pockets or pastry.
Dorothy had a strong belief in God and she let her faith guide her through the difficult times of her life as well as the joyful ones, always grateful for her blessings. Growing up as an only child, she grew close to her cousins, aunts and uncles. She shared many fond memories of time spent with the Dillies and Degenharts.
She is survived by her husband, Raymond; children, Julie Maynard, Janice Green, Jim Gerk and wife Marilyn and Dan Gerk and wife JoAnn; grandchildren and their families, Kalen Gerk, Lindsey Gerk, Scott and Missy Schaefer and Riley and Taleb, Sara and Jared Berg and Brent, Kyle and Kieren, Jeff Green and Aspen, Mike and Laurie Green, Tessa Green and Daijah, Troy and Dawn Gerk and Kylie, Kristin and Brandon Nichols and Brayden and Ryanne, and Jeremy and Jamie Gerk.
She will be missed dearly by all.
Mrs. Gerk was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony Catholic School.