Roger Lee Gehrke

“May Roger’s ‘forever’ find him tending Heaven’s raspberries with his German Shepard dogs”

Roger Lee Gehrke, 92, of Burnsville, Minnesota passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, at his home. Roger was born on November 8, 1932, to Marvin and Celia (Weber) Gehrke in Wausau, Wisconsin.

Roger attended and graduated from Wausau High School in 1951. While there, he participated in track and Golden Gloves boxing. Upon graduating he worked alongside his father baling hay and tapping Red Maples for syrup on their family farm in the township of Stettin, Wisconsin.

Roger proudly joined the Marine Corp and served as a forward observer in the Korean War. He was a proud veteran.

After his service in the Marine Corp, Roger enrolled to the University of Wisconsin and later finished his degree in logistics at the University of Denver.

On June 28th, 1958, Roger was united in marriage to Nancy (Berg) Gehrke. The couple made their home in Omaha, Nebraska and had two children Lisa (Gehrke) Birkeland and Allen Gehrke. They lived in Omaha, Nebraska; Burnsville, Minnesota; Glen Ellyn, Illinois; and eventually resided in Apple Valley, Minnesota.

Roger and Nancy enjoyed traveling through the United States following their children and grandchildren’s sporting events: soccer, hockey, volleyball, track and swimming.

Roger’s career as a logistics manager for Control Data and UPS lead him to multiple countries, with Japan being his favorite. Roger was a teacher and taught Logistics and Transportation at North Hennepin Community College.

Roger was deeply committed to promoting the beginning of women’s soccer in Burnsville in the 1970’s. He was very proud that one of the teams he helped to sponsor found themselves as the National Under 16 champions! Roger was also a co-founder of figure skating in Burnsville as well.

Roger was a passionate gardener, especially tending his large raspberry patch in Apple Valley, Minnesota. He especially enjoyed making jam and sharing his bounty with many friends and family.

After his retirement at age 72, Roger was a champion of senior rights with the Senior DFL caucus of Minnesota of which he helped start. He was also involved with the Humane Society and proud of his training of his service dog, Annie. Roger helped co-coach his granddaughter Erika's softball team to a few city championships.

Roger was an original and active member of River Hills United Methodist Church in Burnsville, MN. He was always available to open the church doors every Sunday morning with his dog Annie.

Roger is lovingly remembered by his wife, Nancy (Berg) Gehrke; and their two children, Lisa (Gehrke) Birkeland and husband, Tim Birkeland, of Prior Lake, MN, and Allen Gehrke and wife, Rita (Marr) Gehrke, of Minneapolis, MN; his two grandchildren, Erika (Birkeland) Bernabo and husband, David Bernabo, and Celia Gehrke; and great-granddaughter, Nora Lee Bernabo.

Preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Celia (Weber) Gehrke; and brother, Fredrich Gehrke.

Roger was always quick to give advice - most notably:

"Don’t push a chain, WORK SMART"

"Don’t pee in the wind, DON’T be stupid"

"Never complain about a FREE beer, ALWAYS EXPRESS GRATITUDE"

Starkson Family ~ Anderson Chapel in Apple Valley, MN, is handling arrangements.