Earl Wayne Gerschefske

Earl Wayne Gerschefske was born in Mint Hill, Missouri, on November 9th, 1942, to Rudolph and Hattie (Troike) Gerschefske. He attended Fairview Country School north of Alta. He had a strong work ethic, kind heart, and vibrant spirit that touched the lives of many.

Earl began his career at Farmland, formerly Farm Best, in 1963 and continued to contribute until his well-deserved retirement in 2008. One of Earl's greatest joys in life was when he purchased a small acreage near Soldier in 2018. This land held a special place in his heart as he found solace in watching and feeding the birds that frequented the area. Throughout his life, Earl was not just a hard worker but also a man of diverse interests and hobbies.

He was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Dow City and took great pleasure in savoring chocolate malts from the Dunlap Dairy Sweet. Earl found joy in spending time with loved ones playing cards and had a passion for collecting model cars and trains. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially hunting and fishing.  His fondness for cats meant he always had a furry companion by his side. Additionally, Earl appreciated classic cars and could often be found attending car shows and gun shows.

Earl passed away peacefully on Friday, March 29, 2024 at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison, attaining the age of 81 years, 4 months, and 20 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Hattie Gerschefske; brothers, Raymond Gerschefske, and Randolph Gerschefske; and sister, Mary Lou Olsen.

Family meant everything to Earl. He cherished the moments spent with his loved ones. Earl is survived by his nieces and nephews: Mark Gerschefske and his wife Barb of Merida, Mexico, Shane Gerschefske and his wife Emily of Lake Helen, Florida, Rita and her husband Joe Short of Junta, Texas, Ray Olsen and his wife Dixie of Indianola, Kristy and her husband Duane Zenk of Denison, Bonnie and her husband Greg Kastner of Yuma, Arizona, Lisa and her husband John Langholz of Denison, and Jennifer and her husband John Torres of Indianola, IA, and Sherrill Gerschefske of Grandview, Missouri; a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with a memorial service beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Dow City. Inurnment will follow in the Dow City Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the United Methodist Church in Dow City.