Dennis R. Gierke

Dennis Gierke, 84, of Fond du Lac, entered Heaven on Saturday, November 25, 2023. He had loved ones near and went peacefully at St. Agnes Hospital. Dennis was born on March 16, 1939, in Kiel, the son of the late Herman and Adelia (Kattreh) Gierke. He was a 1957 graduate of Kiel High School. Dennis attended Lakeland College and UW River Falls. On May 1, 1993, he married Patsy Herb. Dennis was employed as a machinist at Mercury Marine for 31 years and retired in 2001.

Dennis was a poet, a fitness enthusiast, a collector of many things, especially baseball cards and coins. He was a bargain hunter and a member of the gun club. Most importantly he loved people and was very generous and compassionate. Dennis would never turn anyone away who needed help and was called grandpa by many people. He also loved all animals.

He is survived by his wife, Patsy; Dennis' three daughters, Dayna Gierke, Tammy (Wade) Benedyk, and Jennifer (Anthony Spagnola) Gierke; six grandchildren, Rachael (Chad) Halbach, Laura (Mike) Thiry, April (Scott) Vertz, Christopher (Tamara Fredin) Stadler, Heather (Jacob Leanna) Stadler, and Ahnalee (Tim Lautenslager) Brock; thirteen great-grandchildren, Lilly, Charlotte, Zoey, Jameson, Reilly, Dean, Carsten, Elizabeth, Kiara, Ashlyn, Colton, Azaria and Eve; sister-in-law, Peg Gierke; former son-in-law, John Engebregtsen; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Margaret and Marcella Gierke; and brother, Frederick Gierke.

A viewing will take place on Monday, December 4, 2023, from 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM at Chapel of the Risen Christ Mausoleum, Calvary Cemetery, 686 Fond du Lac Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI. The funeral service will follow the viewing at 1:00 PM with entombment following the service.  

He will be greatly missed for his warmth, kindness and contagious humor.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com