Richard Clarence Gehrke
10/25/1938 ~ 8/15/2007
Richard Clarence Gehrke (Dick) slipped peacefully through the veil August 15th, 2007 in Bonne Terre, MO. after a long and courageous battle with Diabetes.Dick was born October 25,1938 to Clarence Fredrick Gehrke and LaVerne Anne Nielsen in Salt Lake City, Utah.
After completing high school at Olympus High where he excelled at football and wrestling, he played football at Southern Utah University prior to serving an LDS Mission to The British Mission. He completed his undergraduate degree in Southern California and received a Master Degree in Social Work from the University of Utah.
Dick dedicated his life to helping wayward youth. He had a positive influence on numerous young men who turned from destructive behavior to successful and productive lives. In addition to his career, as Director of Foster Care a Division of Family Services for the Salt Lake County Government, he was a foster parent in his personal home. He cared for hundreds of young men and was awarded foster parent of the year in 1983. His ability to teach and influence the youth was truly remark-able.
Dick was preceded in death by his sweetheart Beth Gehrke, his parents and his step father Le Roy Owen. He is survived by his sons Todd Earl Gehrke (Chloe), Mike Gehrke, daughters Lisa Hettich (Richard) and Heidi Rudel (Blake), eight grand-daughters, two grandsons, three brothers and six sisters.
A public viewing will be held at McDougal Mortuary, 4330 South Redwood Road, Wed. August 22nd from 6-8 p.m. and again Thurs. morning from 10-11 a.m. Followed by a graveside service at Herriman City Cemetery, 12465 South Pioneer Street (6000 West) at 12 noon.
Our sincere gratitude to all that gave such tender care and unconditional love to him. Dick, your humor, spirit and ability to love others will remain in our memories until we meet again.