Herbert Henry Gerke, 94, of Pilot Grove, Missouri passed away Thursday, November 3, 2016 in Boonville, Missouri from injuries sustained in a car accident.

He was one of 10 children born to Herman and Veronica Lena Gerke in Pilot Grove.

After graduating from Pilot Grove High School Herbert served in the U.S. Army during WW II. He and Alice were married January 25, 1949 and celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary this year.

He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He was a charter member of the Pilot Grove High School FFA, served on the Pilot Grove School Board and was an MFA Exchange board. He enjoyed watching sports, especially the St. Louis Cardinals, and working crossword puzzles but his very greatest interests were his family and farming.

Herbert was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers and 5 sisters.

He is survived by his wife Alice of the home; sons Eugene Gerke and his wife Patricia of Columbia, Missouri, Frank Gerke and his wife Paula of Chillicothe, Illinois, Jerome Gerke and his wife Leigh Fleck of Franklin, Missouri, Dan Gerke and his wife Karen of Pilot Grove, Vernon Gerke and his wife Susan Edmondson of Pilot Grove, Mike Gerke and his wife Shari of Springfield, Missouri; daughter Joanne Smith and her husband Blake of Overland Park, Kansas; sister Martha May Murphy and her husband Ted of Lees Summit, Missouri; 22 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:00 AM Monday, November 7, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pilot Grove with burial immediately following in the St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Sunday at the church with Rosary beginning at 5 p.m.