ALTENBURG, Mo. -- Harold W. Gerecke, 72, of Altenburg died Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born April 7, 1938, at Oak Ridge, son of Walter A. and Edna Woods Gerecke. He and Doris C. Dreyer were married July 5, 1959. She preceded him in death Aug. 30, 2009.

Survivors include two sons, David (Heather) Gerecke of San Antonio, Walter (Pamela) Gerecke of Gig Harbor, Wash.; a daughter, Rebecca (Patrick) Chapman of St. Louis; a sister, Betty Smith of Millersville; six grandchildren, Tahlia, Prue, Gavin, Lynnea, Harper and Hattie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and a sister, Francis Turner.

Gerecke was a defense contract administrator with the Department of Defense. He was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church at Frohna, Mo., and the Lions Club.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and retired National Guard.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. to service time Friday at Concordia Lutheran Church.

The funeral will be at noon Friday at the church, with the Rev. Rod Benkendorf officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery, with military graveside service provided by the VFW.

Young and Sons Funeral Home in Perryville, Mo., is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials are preferred for Lutheran Heritage Center and Museum.

Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hands.