Germaine J. “Whitey” Gebke, age 89 of Bartelso, passed away at Breese Nursing Home on Thursday, November 21, 2024.
Mr. Gebke was born at home in Bartelso on January 22, 1935, a son of Anthony “Tony” and Regina (Wellinghoff) Gebke. Whitey was a member of St. Cecilia Church in Bartelso and was also active with the Bartelso Knights of Columbus. Whitey drove a truck for Kohnen Concrete and was active in the Bartelso community. He was a devout member of St. Cecilia Church and a proud member of the Bartelso Knights of Columbus. Among his favorite pastimes, Whitey took pleasure in the thrills of NASCAR races and always looked forward to visiting with friends while eating lunch at Larry’s.
Mr. Gebke is survived by his sister, Regene Heckenkemper of Albers; a brother, Eugene Gebke and wife JoAnn of Bartelso; 2 sisters-in-law, Georgiaenn “Dolly” Gebke and Ruth “Boots” Gebke, both of Bartelso; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Regina Gebke; a sister, Teresa Jansen and her husband Bob; his brothers, Anthony Gebke, Jr, Edwin “Butch” Gebke, Tom Gebke, and Robert Gebke; and a brother-in-law, Virgil Heckenkemper.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Cecilia Church in Bartelso on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 11:00 AM with Fr. Thomas Lugge, celebrant. Inurnment will follow at St. Cecilia Cemetery in Bartelso. Visitation will be held at St. Cecilia Church on Saturday, November 30, 2024, from 9:00 – 11:00 AM.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Gebke are suggested to St. Cecilia Church or in the form of Masses. They will be received through Zieren Funeral Home, 1111 Clinton St. Carlyle, IL 62231. Online condolences may be shared at www.ZierenFuneralHome.com.
