Gary Wayne Gerecke, 64, of Gordonville passed away Wednesday, April 14, 2021, at his home.

He was born Nov. 4, 1956, in Cape Girardeau, son of the late Leeman Earl and Elsie Borgfield Gerecke. He and Carolyn Ahrens were married on July 22, 1978, in Tilsit.

Gary grew up on the family farm and graduated from Jackson High School in 1975.

After the birth of their son, Brandon, they moved to Dallas, Texas, where Gary worked for a Chevrolet dealership, always knowing they would make their way back home. Just after the birth of their daughter, Leah, they did just that.

Farming was Gary's passion and for nearly 25 years he has run his family farm. One of his favorite places to be on the farm was his shop. He could be found there almost every day, working with his many tools and tinkering on everything. He also loved driving his tractors and equipment, especially the skidsteer, which he called "an extension of his hands." He was a mechanic, he worked construction, and was a Jack-of-all-trades who would tackle any job that came his way!

Gary served on the SEMO District Fair Board for many years. He enjoyed cooking and sometimes got a little carried away with the spices. He loved to have a good time with his family and enjoyed scaring his kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews with his "bear" growl. Gary will be remembered for his bold, fun and loud personality.

Loving survivors include his wife of 42 years, Carolyn Gerecke; a son, Brandon (Hannah) Gerecke; a daughter, Leah (Adam) Henley; grandchildren, Fendten, Lynlie, Avynn and Hesston Gerecke and Chase, Tucker, Madilynn and Logan Henley.

Also surviving are his siblings, Bernice (Paul) Koerber of Gordonville; David (Judy) Gerecke of Salem, Oregon; Bruce (Tina) Gerecke of Carbondale, Illinois; and Marilyn (Tom) Schott of Fruitland.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Letisha Dawn Gerecke.

There will be a private family gathering in his memory on the family farm.

The family entrusted McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson with the care of Gary's final arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.