Bill Gehrke

Bill D. Gehrke, 75, of Topeka passed away on Saturday, August 5th, 2023 in Reno, Nevada. Bill was born on October 16th, 1947 to Oscar & Betty (Smith) Gehrke in Topeka. He was the oldest of seven. In 1965, Bill graduated from Topeka High School. In 1966, Bill married Viola Jones in Topeka. They were married for 57 years, and had two children together.

In 1966, Bill started working for May, Ransom, and Sheetz Construction Company as a loader operator. From 1982 until 1990, Bill owned and operated Amoco Service Stations & a muffler shop in Topeka. He also worked for Murphy Tractor until retirement. Bill was a lifelong mechanic, and had an affinity for cars. He was a natural mechanic, and could make anything go. He enjoyed restoring, working on, and tinkering with cars. Bill will be remembered for driving anything Ford, especially his Mustang.

Preceding Bill in passing are his parents, his father in-law, Melvin Jones, and a sister, Tina. Bill is survived by his wife, Viola; two children, David Gehrke, and Paula (Gehrke) Penn; five siblings, Ronald Gehrke, Dianna Tyler, Donna Crist, Gary Gehrke, and Judy Verkler. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Michael and Emilee, Hadan and Jared, Justin and Nicole. Bill leaves behind eight great-grandchildren, and his mother in-law, Dorothy Jones.

Visitation will take place from 10am to 11am on Monday, August 14th at Grace Point Church, 5400 SW Huntoon, Topeka. A Memorial Service will start at 11am.