John Gierke

John was born November 29, 1948 to Howard and Mayme (Jacobsen) Gierke in Escanaba, Michigan. He was the fourth and youngest child. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Penney Gierke, and brother Rodney Gierke.

John graduated from Garden High School in 1966 and Northern Michigan University in 1970. His career was in finance, interrupted for two years of service in the U. S. Army during which he was stationed in Germany. Following his military service, he resumed working with the FDIC until his retirement in 2001. John was an avid cross-country skier, and an active member of Friends of Valley Spur, spending countless hours helping out wherever he was needed. John taught many people of all ages to ski, and participated in the Birkebeiner at Hayward, Wisconsin for over 30 years. John loved being on the water, whether sailing, kayaking, rowing, or canoeing, and loved the outdoors, enjoying hiking, biking, and camping. He was particularly interested in genealogy, spending many hours tracing the Gierke and Jacobsen ancestries. He was very proud of his Norwegian heritage. He was a lifelong member of the Fayette Congregational Church; supporting the annual Lord’s Acre Auction was a highlight of each fall. He was always kind, caring and helpful to all he encountered.

John is survived by his beloved companion Lesley Williams, brother Dewey (Helen) Gierke, nephew Eric Gierke, sister-in-law Shirley LaValley, and step-nephews Christopher Rock (Jennifer), Steven Rock (Amy), and Daniel Rock (Molly Murphy), and many cousins.

A memorial service will be held at Fayette Congregational Church at a later date, with interment at Sac Bay Cemetery in Fayette, Michigan.

Fausett Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.