BAKERSFIELD, CA — Ella Marie Nitsch Gerecke was born in Cape Girardeau to Albert and Nola Nitsch on Aug. 10, 1923. Heaven gained a much loved centurion when Ella passed away Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, from an unexpected illness.

Ella Gerecke

Ella Gerecke

Ella enlisted in the Navy in 1944 in order to serve her country during World War II. She served as a Storekeeper G 2nd Class and handled highly classified information. She was honorably discharged in June 1947. After being discharged, she married Rudy H. Gerecke from her hometown. In February 1948, they moved to Bakersfield and raised six children. They relocated several times in California due to Rudy's occupation. During her lifetime, Ella operated several family businesses. Ella enjoyed the time she worked in the I-Ye-Que gift shop on the Hoopa Indian Reservation in Northern California. While working in the gift shop, she wrote to the Department of Interior, Arts and Crafts Division in Washington, D.C., on behalf of the local tribes to revive the art of basket weaving. Ella collected various Indian baskets and pottery made by the local tribal women. Ella and Rudy traveled to the Holy Land in 1979 along with her sister and brother-in-law, and her mother. The trip made a lasting impression on her. In 1986, Ella retired from K-Mart after 19 years of employment.

Many of her passions included researching extensively on her family genealogy, having traced her ancestry back to the 1400s, which she also contributed information to various publications of her family history. She had the opportunity to travel honor flight No. 12 with her grandson, John Ehret, in 2014, an amazing experience she spoke of frequently. Ella also enjoyed attending veterans breakfasts and riding in the veterans parade as a Grand Marshall in 2015. Another pastime Ella enjoyed was her trips to a casino which she referred to as her therapy.

Ella will be fondly remembered for her phenomenal memory, life stories and adventures in detail, generous nature and constant concerned for others who needed prayers. Ella lived a spiritual and prayerful life. She was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church since 1967. She was blessed to have celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends Thursday, Aug. 10, at Royal Palms Mobile Home Park clubhouse, where she resided the last 23 years.

Ella Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Nola Nitsch; husband, Rudy H. Gerecke; sons, Darryl Eugene Gerecke and Daniel Louis Gerecke; sons-in-law, John S. Ehret, Randy Huddleston, David Dailey and Todd Davis. She is survived by her sisters, Jewell Moore of Cape Girardeau and Betty Renne of Jackson; and various nieces and nephews and their families. She is also survived by her daughters, Donna Dailey, Denise (David) Bosworth and Diana Gerecke, all of Bakersfield, and Donella Davis of Palmer, Alaska; 14 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

The remains of her son, Daniel Louis Gerecke, who preceded her in death Oct. 25, 2021, will be interred with her.

Rosary was held Wednesday, Nov. 1, at Christ the King Catholic Church with viewing following.

Funeral mass will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, at the church, 1800 Bedford Way, Oildale, California, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Serving as pallbearers are Dereke Gerecke, John Ehret, Matthew Dailey, Cooper Gerecke, Chance Gerecke and Cash Gerecke. Honorary pallbearers are Cody Huddleston, Alan Huddleston and Shaun Kelley. A reception will follow immediately after burial at Christ the King Catholic church hall.

God truly blessed us with a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.