Obit: Florence, Geraldine F. “Gerrie” (1926 – 2016)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Florence, Gehrke, Schwantes, Bennett, Dimler, Buttke

----Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, Wis.) 04 Feb 2016

Florence, Geraldine F. “Gerrie” (4 MAY 1926 – 27 JAN 2016)

Geraldine E. "Gerrie” Florence, 89, Abbotsford, formerly of Loyal, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, at Golden Living Center - Continental Manor, in Abbotsford. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., on Monday, Feb. 1, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Loyal. Rev. Daniel Zimmerman officiated. Burial followed at the Sherwood Cemetery, in the town of Sherwood.

Geraldine Elaine Gehrke was born on May 4, 1926, in Clintonville, to Alfred and Esther (nee Schwantes) Gehrke. She attended parochial elementary school in Clintonville and two years at Clintonville High School. Her family moved to Marshfield in 1942, where she graduated from Marshfield High School in 1944. After high school, Gerrie worked in Washington, D.C. during World War II, and then returned to Marshfield and was employed at Roddis Manufacturing. She married Charles B. "Charlie" Florence on Aug. 6, 1949, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Marshfield. They bought a farm in the town of Sherwood, where they farmed until buying a farm near Loyal. They farmed in Loyal until 1970, at which time they sold the farm and moved into Loyal. Gerrie also worked at PCA, the TRG, and Gorsegner Law Office in Loyal. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, loved her dogs and enjoyed traveling.

Gerrie is survived by her son, Ken C. Bennett, Dallas, Texas; one sister-in-law, Betty Dimler, Fremont; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charlie, on April 11, 2008; and two sisters, Dorothy Buttke and Gloria Florence.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.

Cuddie Funeral Home, Loyal, assisted the family with arrangements.