—   Donald "Don" Frederick Gerk, Sr. left his earthly home Wednesday morning, August 8th, 2012.  Born to George and Elizabeth (Nuebel) Gerk on October 23rd, 1926 and baptized in Hillsboro, North Dakota.

  At the age of three, the second youngest

of eleven children, his family moved to a farm in Clear Lake, Iowa.  Don's youth included working on the family farm; at the infamous "Surf" Ballroom; caddying at the nearby golf course and becoming a champ-

ion "Golden Gloves" boxer.

  Following graduation from Clear Lake High School in 1945, he was officially ap-

pointed to the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.  Upon decoration, returning home, Don and his father formed partnership on their Hereford cattle ranch, also attending Mason City Auctioneer School.

  On December 28th, 1950, Donald married the love of his life, Marvyl Adrienne Height of Mason City, Iowa at Holy Family Catholic Church.

  In 1955 they, along with their first child, moved to Mankato as Don accepted a sales representative, subsequently, general management position at Mankato Tent & Awning Company.  He evaluated historic buildings for HUD; was a charter member of St. Joseph the Worker Church and Men's Club and a lifetime member of Sertoma Club.

  Lovingly adored by wife: Marvyl; children: Donald "Dee" Gerk Jr. (Debby), Fairbanks, Alaska; Elizabeth "Liz" and husband Larry Wilmes, Mankato; Ralph Height Gerk, Mankato; Christine "Chris" and husband Dave Skidmore, Arvada, Colorado.  Grandchildren: Chad (Wendy) Gerk, Omaha, Nebraska; Aaron (Fiew) Gerk, Pai Thailand/ Forestville, California; Justin (Meagan) Gerk , Austin , Texas; Donald "Sev" Gerk III, Los Angeles, California; Heather Wilmes (Graham), Minneapolis; Tiffany Wilmes (Tyler), Mankato; Jessie Lee and Wyatt Skidmore, Arvada, Colorado.  Great Grandchildren: Holden Floyd; Avalon Gerk. Brother: Charles "Chuck" (Jackie) Gerk, Clear Lake, Iowa/ Naples, Florida. Sister-in-law: Anita Gerk, Mason City, Iowa/ Mesa, Arizona. Nieces and Nephews.

  Remembrance of six brothers, three sisters and spouses: Paul, Joseph, George, Arthur, Kenneth, William, Margaret, Marie, Mildred.  Brother-in-law: Ralph Height Jr. and wife Connie.  Sister-in-law: Marjorie Blair and husband Donald.

  Don and Marvyl enjoyed spending time with Marvyl's sister "Marj" and husband "Don" Blair and their families.  Godparents of their children, "Millie" and "Ted" Elioff and "Art" and Anita Gerk were also close to the couple.

  Don's interests included: collecting classic cars, traveling; attending auctions, parades, festivals; gardening, music, Twins baseball; playing cards, blackjack at the casino; t.v. sitcoms, movies and political programs,The McGlaughlin Group.  He was an avid reader; also writing a book on his philosophy of life.

  Don and Marvyl cherished attending grandchildren's sporting and academic activities, and had good fortune, those living away, traveling to be a part of their lives.

  He never realized his dream of becoming a lawyer.at which he would have excelled; or retiring in Costa Rica, as well.  His position afforded him the opportunity to hire based on potential, never prejudice.  Always willing to do any job necessary. A master with the hammer and saw, shovel or trowel or any tool needing strength behind it.

  His four children were blessed to have parents always truly loving each other; family vacations; Dad running and playing with us; free time always spent working on projects; loving snacks and sweets like gumdrops and jelly beans!

  His footprints washed away in the sand, remain as constant memories of people, places and things; of his youthful spirit, his generosity, his work ethics, embracing a bargain, his logic, his lack of any type of discrimination and his acceptance and appreciation of others.

  In his beautiful blue eye you could see: what he was thinking without a word; recall his laughter without a sound; and feel all of his undying love  for Marvyl, family, and those closely surrounding him.

  If you knew Don, you may have heard him say, instead of goodnight: "I'll see you in the morning the Lord willing and the creeks don't rise!"; or his way of saying goodbye: "See you in church."

-Welcome Everyone-

  A Memorial Service celebrating Don's life will be held 9:30 a.m., Saturday September 15th, 2012, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Mankato, Father John Wilmot officiating.