Diane M. (Rother) Gehrke

Diane M. Gehrke, age 81 of Vermillion, died peacefully surrounded by family on Easter Morning, Sunday, March 31, 2024, at Brookdale of Eagan.

Diane Mary, one of seven daughters born to Albert and Ermelinda (Foss) Rother, was born on November 10, 1942, in Hastings, and grew up on a farm near Vermillion. Following her graduation from Hastings High School, Diane was united in marriage to George Gehrke on August 20, 1966, and spent fifty-seven joyous years together raising their three children in Vermillion. Diane was a longtime employee at Frontier Communications in Burnsville. In her spare time, Diane enjoyed planting flowers, playing cards, puzzles, and spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Irene Leach; brothers-in-law, Greg Drahos and Steve Norgard; and by her grandson, Matthew Collins.

Diane is survived by her loving husband, George; children, Christina (Mark) Burke, Karen (Tom) Collins, and Mark (Natalie) Gehrke; ten grandchildren, Katherine (Alex) Dye, Rachael (Logan) Joerger, Samuel (Kaelyn) Burke, Jakob Burke, Sarah (Brice) Eggert, Caleb Gehrke, Robert Burke, Annalise (Ira) Hohlfeld, Erica Collins, and Lydia Gehrke; great granddaughter, Adaline Diane Dye; sisters, Joan (Dave) Kuehn, Pat Drahos, Lois (Dave) Dornseif, Joyce Norgard, and Theresa (Randy) Komorouski; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 3:00 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2024, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Vermillion, with Father Michael Tix officiating. Interment will follow at the parish cemetery.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings, and for one hour prior to Mass at church on Friday.

If desired, memorials can be made to The Alzheimer's Association in memory of Diane.

Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.