Evelyn M Gerke

Evelyn Gerke, 81, of Tipton, Missouri passed away Friday, February 12, 2016 at St. Mary's Hospital in Jefferson City on the same day that her husband, Emil Gerke, died in 2012.

She was born August 18, 1934 to Joseph and Lela Winebrenner Koechner. On September 21, 1954, she was married to Emil Gerke.

Over the course of her working life, she was employed at the Tipton Pants Factory, Stride Rite, Fasco, and retired from the Department of Corrections. She and Emil also owned and operated Emil's Station and Café from 1975-1981.

She was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church and the Altar Society. She was also known for her homemade peanut brittle and her chocolate chip cookies, which were the best around.

Evelyn is survived by her children: Darlene (Ronnie) Long, and Anita (Donnie) Bracht both of Tipton; Bruce (Becky) Gerke of Houstonia; and Wayne Gerke of Aurora, CO. Ten grandchildren Jennifer (Michael) Schmidt, Amanda Long, Aaron (Katie) Long, Amy Griffin, Donna Bracht, Don Bracht, Jr., Chris (Stephanie) Bracht, Terry Gerke, Anne-Marie Gerke, and Noah Gerke, and nine great-grandchildren. Other survivors include brothers Norbert Koechner, Stilwell, KS, Virgil Koechner, Tipton, and Jim Koechner, O'Fallon, MO; and sister Della Mallen, Plattsburg, MO.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Leo, Melvin, and Cecil Koechner; and sister Annetta Koechner.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM Monday, February 15, 2016 at St. Andrews Catholic Church with Father Fred Elskamp officiating. Burial will follow in St. Andrew's Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-6 PM Sunday, February 14, 2016 at Meisenheimer Funeral Home in Tipton.

Memorials are suggested to St. Andrew Church or to the Sisters of Divine Providence.

Online condolences can be left at www.meisenheimerfuneralhomes.com