Edward Fredrick Gehrke
Edward Fredrick Gehrke, age 86, of Coshocton, passed away on Thursday, May 12, 2016. He was born on May 24, 1929 in Canal Lewisville, Ohio to the late Heinrich and Louise (Mader) Gehrke. After receiving his BS from The Ohio State University in 1951, he was commissioned a 2nd Lt in the United States Air Force. He received a Master’s Degree in Business from George Washington University in 1964. On May 9, 1951, Ed married Elizabeth (Sheppard) Gehrke who survives.
Ed served over 28 years in the United States Air Force before retiring in 1979 as a Colonel. He was the Commanding Officer at Lockbourne AFB and supervised the transition to Rickenbacker AFB. Ed flew B-52’s during the Vietnam War and received the Bronze Star, the Air Medal and the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster and many other awards and commendations during his career in the Air Force. After retiring in 1979, Ed owned Eagle Reality and farmed in Coshocton County.
He was a devoted husband, brother, uncle, and friend who was never happier than when he was surrounded by family and friends. Ed enjoyed working outdoors, fishing, playing Euchre, attending family reunions, and traveling. He has traveled all over the world including Europe, the Panama Canal, the Caribbean but he especially loved traveling to Germany many times throughout his life. He was an avid Ohio State Football fan and was a member of the AMVETS and the VFW #1330, Elks, Kiwanis, and was past President of the Coshocton County Farm Bureau.
Along with his wife Elizabeth, of 64 years, Ed is survived by many nieces and nephews who cherished his strength of character, integrity, and valued his words of encouragement. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Henry Gehrke, Lillian Gehrke Peairs, Dr. Charles Gehrke, and Evelyn Gehrke Braniger.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, May 16, 2016 at Given-Dawson Funeral Home from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. Graveside services will be held at Canal Lewisville Cemetery at 12:00 on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the local charity of your choice. An online memorial can be viewed at www.given-dawsonfuneralhome.com.
Category: Obituaries
