Bruce Gerecke Obituary

Bruce Kirk Gerecke, 69, passed away April 23, 2020, at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, St Francis Hospital, Wichita, Kansas. He was a loving husband to Patricia L. Gerecke and they shared 21 years of marriage.

Born in Garden City, Kansas, he was the son of Edgar H. and Claudine Gerecke, both deceased. He graduated from Garden City High School, attended Garden City Community College, Fort Hays State University, and Graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis on Magazine Journalism. He was semi-retired since 2016 and worked retail for the last forty-five years.

He accepted Christ as his savior at age 46 and was a devoted believer. He enjoyed family activities and get-togethers, participated in recreational sports until age 55, and then became interested in golf. He will be best remembered for his exceptional gift of lifelong friendships and love of animals, especially dogs and cats.

He is survived by his spouse, Patricia "Pattie" Gerecke, his daughter Andi and her husband Kent Schimke, their children and his grandchildren Kaitlyn (21), Kennedy (19), and Kade (14), Schimke of Ellendale, ND, his step-daughter Michelle and husband Paul Ekoniak of Virginia Beach, VA, his step-son Douglas and his wife Andrea Snyder of Oxford, KS. He was the proud grandpa of his three granddogs, Roxy, Jemma, and Clover and his beloved dog, Izzy. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Edgar H. and Adah Gerecke, Claude D. and Ella A. Smith, and his parents Edgar H. "Bus" and Claudine Gerecke.

The graveside service will be held on a later date due to the Covid-19 pandemic at Oak Hill Cemetery, Lawrence, Kansas.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Happy Tails Animal Rescue via PayPal; bit.ly/HappyTailsDonations and select use this donation for Bruce Kirk Gerecke or by mail; 2531 E 137th St Carbondale, KS 66414, or a local animal shelter.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Apr. 26, 2020.
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5 Entries

Kirk and I worked together at NFM. He was a true friend. RIP Kirk.

Rick Glover

Friend

June 17, 2020

I met Kirk at NFM. We became instant buddies. He truly never met a stranger. His smile and positive attitude were admirable attributes. He probably never knew how many friends he had. I will miss my ol friend.

Michael Thorpe

Friend

June 17, 2020

I worked with Kirk at NFM in sales. He joined friend Steve Vanderlinden and myself for our traditional smoked oysters and crackers breaks! Great guy and friend

Reggie Jones

Friend

June 16, 2020

I am so sorry to hear of Kirk's passing. We worked together at hyvee for a few years, and I always valued his friendship throughout that time. He always managed to put a smile on my face no matter how difficult the days could be!! Rest easy, Kirk. We'll miss you!!

Katie Bastemeyer

Coworker

April 28, 2020

Pattie we are sorry for your loss. I was so very fond of Kirk as you know. You will be in our thoughts and prayers from the Mauldins Matthew Cherie Ragan and Carly

Matthew Mauldin

Friend

April 26, 2020

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