Cecil Leo Gerke

Cecil Leo Gerke, 78, of Sedalia, MO, passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at his home. He was born on April 19, 1946, in Sedalia, the son of Leo H. Gerke and Cecilia L. (Twenter) Gerke, who preceded him in death.

On August 24, 1968, in Sedalia, MO, he was united in marriage to Linda Fay Bohon and shared 56 years together. Linda resides in the home.

Cecil attended several schools growing up until the seventh grade, when he attended and then eventually graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic School in 1964. He graduated from Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg in 1968 with an Accounting Degree. Cecil was always a hard worker. While attending school, he worked with his father at Leo H. Gerke Concrete Construction Co. and the Sedalia Democrat. After college, he worked for Dooley Accounting in Sedalia. 

In the Spring of 1969, he and Linda moved to Columbia, MO, where Cecil worked for MFA Inc. They lived there until the summer of 1973 when they returned to Sedalia. Cecil worked at the Jensen Co., Waterloo, Multifoods, RGIS, and Gardner Denver. Cecil really enjoyed his several years working at the Missouri State Fair grounds until he officially retired in 2023.

In addition to his wife, Cecil is survived by four children, John Gerke (Dana) of Holts Summit, MO, Judy Gerke of Sedalia, Ginger Gerke of Sedalia, and Eric Gerke (Cody) of Marshall, MO; five grandchildren, Danielle, Justin, Ryan, Brayden, and Sophia; two great-grandchildren, Brekken and Ellinor; three brothers, Mike Gerke (Janet) of Winder, GA, Charles Gerke (Beverly) of Sedalia, and Mark Gerke (Darlene) of White House, TN; three sisters, Elizabeth Schopp (Norman) of Moberly, MO, Sharon Crane (Gene) of Centralia, MO, and Sr. Carol Gerke, of Great Bend, KS; a Sister-in-Law, Susan Gerke of Olathe, KS; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Cecil was preceded in death by his brother, Earl Gerke.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 19, 2024, at St. Vincent de Paul, Sacred Heart Parish, with Father Joe Corel officiating.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Rea Funeral Chapel with Prayers of the Rosary at 6:00 p.m. 

The burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Sedalia, MO.

Honorary bearers will be Brayden Gerke, Justin Gerke, and Ryan Gerke.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran School, Alma, MO, or Sacred Heart School Foundation in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.