Brian C. Gehrke, 39, of Rhinelander, passed away at his home on Monday, March 22, 2021.
Brian was born in Minocqua at Howard Young Hospital on Feb. 4, 1982, the son of Lyle R. and Antonette L. (Whalen) Gehrke. He was raised in Minocqua and was a graduate in the class of 2000 at Lakeland Union High School. He had been employed at the Minocqua Brewery, Minocqua Country Club and was currently employed as the chef at the Rhinelander Country Club.
Brian enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, watching football and basketball and socializing with his friends. But most of all, Brian will be remembered for being a loving father to his daughter.
Birdie and he always wanted to spend as much time together as possible.
He will be dearly missed by his loving daughter, Virginia "Birdie" Gehrke of Antigo, his parents Lyle (Barb) Gehrke of Manitowish Waters, Antonette "Toni" Whalen and Greg Fus of Lake Tomahawk; brother Jason Gehrke of Arbor Vitae, sister Megan (Christian) Childress of Lynn Haven, Fla.; maternal grandmother Fran Sweek of Tomahawk and paternal grandparents Lyle and Marilyn Gehrke of Woodruff. Also surviving are aunts, uncles, cousins and many, many, friends.
Brian is preceded in death by his maternal grandpa Adolph Sweek and an uncle Tom Whalen.
A college account will be established for his daughter Birdie. Please send any memorial contributions or cards of condolence to Megan Childress, 2822 Country Club Drive, Lynn Haven, Florida 32444 or contact Megan at megc125@yahoo.com
A celebration of life for Brian will take place at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to sign the guestbook or leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com
The Northwoods River News | Walker Communications, LLC 232 S. Courtney Street, Rhinelander, WI 54501 | Office (715) 365-6397 | Fax (715) 365-6361
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