Alfred L. Gehrke, age 66, of Fairhaven, died Monday, March 2, 2026, at his home.
Memorial Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 13, 2026, at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fairhaven, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Rev. Terrill Bramstedt will officiate. Burial will follow at Fairhaven Cemetery.
Alfred Lyle Gehrke was born on May 21, 1959, in St. Cloud, Minn., to Alfred and Evelyn (Lubbers) Gehrke. A proud graduate of Kimball High School, Alfred pursued his passion for craftsmanship by attending vocational school, where he honed his skills as a machinist. He started his professional life at H.K. Tool and Die in Clear Lake and ventured into self-employment as a Tool and Die Maker, exemplifying commitment and excellence in his craft.
He resided on the Gehrke Farm in Fairhaven Township until moving into Fairhaven in 1981. His love for farming and the simplicity of rural life was evident in his enthusiasm for threshing and tractor shows, as well as his dedication to restoring tractors – an embodiment of his hands-on spirit. Alfred also found joy in the tradition of deer hunting with family.
He is survived by his children, Carrie Gehrke of Annandale and Brad Gehrke of Watkins; four grandchildren, Isaac Barbre, Avery Ahsenmacher, Henrik Gehrke, and Victoria Gehrke; brothers, Earl (Gwen) Gehrke of South Haven,
Leon (Brenda) Gehrke of Paynesville, and Byron Gehrke (Georgette Bloom) of Clearwater; brother-in-law Jack Oien of Ketchikan, Alaska; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Janice Oien.
Obituary, Guestbook, and Video Tribute are online at www.ding
mannfuneral.com.