William L. Gehrke 86 died peacefully November 27, 2020 Born July 24, 1934 son of the late Julius and Bessie (Hayden) Gehrke. On July 10, 1954 he married Gloria M Hall while stationed at Fort Campbell Kentucky, she preceded him in death earlier this year. They celebrated 65 wonderful years together! Bill graduated from Withee High School, then served as a paratrooper in the Army. He attended Anderson College in Indiana before moving to Upper Michigan were he also attended Northern Michigan University in Marquette MIWorking toward a degree in history. Little Lake, MI will always be "Home" for Bill where he started Bill's Sinclair Station which eventually became Model-town Garage, prior to retirement he was service manager for Fischer Chevolete in Neagunee MI. Dad enjoyed teaching mechanics.  He was very active in First Baptist Church preaching, teaching and with a servants heart he was always willing to lend a hand. Dad's hobbies include farming, building race cars, logging, fishing on the Great Lakes, and several camping trips to the Boundry waters.  Mom and Dad enjoyed a cruise down the Rhine river, vacationed in Hawaii and took a memorable trip out west with family.  Survived by children: Julie ( Keith) Cook, Marathon; Mike (Dawn) Merrill; Mary(Mike) Carmin Escanaba, MI; Billie Coggan Wausau; Marty (Joanne) Mosinee.Grandchildren: Holly (Earl) Ashton Mosinee; Janel Cook,St Paul, MN; Joshua Cook, Wausau; Brad Carmin, Escanaba, MI; Charles (Kristi) Carmin Green Bay; David, Justin, Angel and Malikae Merrill, Laura Coggan, Greenwood, SC, Samatha Coggan Chantily, VA, Trisha Coggan Wausau, Sarah (Aaron) Kornely, Erie, CO; Jesse,Marshfield; Chris Wausau, Ed(Kelly) Wausau.Six Great Grandchildren, He is survived by a brother Fred, and sister Nancy KershnerHe was proceeded in death by brother Julius, brother-in-law Maurice Kershner, and granddaughter Elizabeth Cook.  Dad always reached out to help others so we have a huge extended family!  Heartfelt Thanks to Marty and Joanne who generously provided Dad a cozy home and tender care!  Memorial service will be held this spring.