John Gerke Family Support

UPDATE:

At this time we are closing the Go Fund Me account and ask that anyone that still wishes to assist the Gerke Family that you do so by contacting Lesley Oslica, Judy Ann Renfroe Gautreau or Hollie Roper for direction.

We would like to again thank all that have donated at this time and appreciate any future support.

Hi, I am Hollie, John's first cousin and we are starting this Go Fund Me account to help out the John Gerke Family with current and upcoming financial needs.

John and Heather Gerke were involved in a single car accident on Sunday January 14, 2024 in Searcy, Arkansas in which John passed away and Heather was admitted to the hospital where she has had to undergo surgery for the serious injuries sustained in the accident. Heather has a long road of recovery ahead of her.

John was the sole provider of his family and they are in great need of financial help at this time. There was no life insurance in place and the families health insurance will expire the end of January, bills for utilities and the mortgage payment are also due soon as well as funeral expenses. Any donations are greatly appreciated, if you are unable to donate, please share this link with your family and friends. If you prefer to donate in person there is an account set up at Arkansas Federal Credit Union in Searcy or Conway in the account name: John Gerke Family Expenses.

Below is the obituary:

April 22, 1964 – January 14, 2024

Born in Little Rock Arkansas to Judy Ann Renfroe Gautreau and Willy Gerke

Preceded in death by infant son Zachary and his Grandparents.

Survived by Wife Heather Gerke, Children Joey Gerke, Luke Maguffee Gerke and Hannah Gerke, Mother Judy Ann Renfroe Gautreau and Father Willy Gerke, Sister Lesley Gerke Oslica (Connie), Nephew Ren Oslica (Nicole) and Niece Katie Holt (David), and great nieces and nephews. Godmother and twin mom, Jane Little (Tommy) many aunts, uncles, and cousins who he grew up with and loved dearly.

John was proud owner of Gerke Energy Services and recently went to work for Alpha Energy services. He was a very dedicated and hard-working man but mainly dedicated himself to his family who he loved dearly and cherished.

He loved anything and everything sports and watching them with his kids. Was always there for Lukes’s baseball games and Hannahs basketball games and very rarely missed one. He may have embarrassed them a time or two with his robust cheering.

He loved his Harley which is probably the only thing he ever did for himself and looked forward to teaching Luke to ride and taking Hannah for a ride. He may have used up several of the more than nine lives he was given by the Grace of God.

John was larger than life and one of a kind! He kept us all laughing! John had a lot nicknames, the earliest one being Charmin – which his Grandma Snookie gave him, and his tall stall stature earned him the nick name “Shorty” that some of his family still lovingly call him. Family gatherings, Dirty Santa and Easter Egg Hunts will never be the same without him. There will never be another John Renfroe Gerke!!

John will be dearly missed by all who knew him. May you rest in peace.

Services will be held at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Bigelow, AR. Visitation in the parish hall (beside the church) from 10:30 to 11:30, at 11:30 Internment at cemetery also by the church. Lunch in hall after interment.

Services by Roller McNutt in Conway.