Robert Gierke

Robert L. "Bob" Gierke, age 48 of Westport, passed away on Tuesday, August 29, 2017.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 5 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Greg Paffel officiating. Interment will be held in Greenwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre.

Robert Lee Gierke was born June 8, 1969 in Shakopee, Minnesota to William and Shirley (Ufkin) Gierke. Bob grew up in Sauk Centre with his grandfather, Bob Ufkin and later lived with the Lemoyne and Lois Bosl family. During high school, Bob worked for Osakis Silo Company and Jean Fiedler Farms. He was very proud of each of the silos he built and would always point them out to his family. Bob graduated from Sauk Centre High School in 1988 and went to work for Rose City Canopy and Red Emblom Construction. He was especially proud of the powerlines he helped construct in the Fargo area. Bob also attended Ridgewater College for Agriculture Studies.

Bob started farming full time in 1992. He started dating his high school sweetheart, Pam during high school in 1986. The two of them married on November 27, 1993 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. Together, Bob and Pam built their life in Westport, Minnesota with their family of five. Bob built his life around his family, working on the farm, and racing his beloved A-Mods. He also started Gierke Pro Pumping in 2002.

Bob started his passion for racing in 1992. He loved racing every weekend at his home tracks, Vikings Speedway in Alexandria and I-94 in Sauk Centre and Fergus Falls. He also enjoyed traveling to Daytona, Florida each winter to race and he had competed in many USMTS races all over the country. Bob's passion for racing inspired his daughter, Abby, and his son, Ryan, and making them become the fourth generation of racers.

Anybody that knew Bob would recognize him by his laugh, great personality, and strong work ethic. They also knew that on weekends he would be found at the races.

Survivors include his wife, Pam of Westport; children, David (Jenna) Justin of Elrosa, Abby Gierke, Katelyn Gierke, Ryan Gierke, and Robyn Gierke all of Westport; mother, Shirley Bishop of Sauk Centre; sister, Kelly Gierke of Sauk Centre; brother, Jon Gierke of Tishomingo, OK; nieces, nephews, and other beloved family and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his dad, William Gierke; beloved grandpa, Bob Ufkin; uncle, Kevin Ufkin, and all other grandparents.

Serving as casket bearers will be David Justin, Ryan Gierke, Gene Bosl, Chad Gerdes, Brady Gerdes, Ryan Gerdes, Troy Girolamo, and Josh Panizke. Cross and scripture bearers will be Abby Gierke, Katelyn Gierke, and Robyn Gierke. Honorary bearers will be Bob's racing friends and Gierke Pro Pumping Crew. Reader will be Darin Bushard and Jean Fiedler. Gift bearers will be Kirsten Fiedler, Bryce Fiedler, and Selina Thatcher.

The family would like to say a special thank you to friends, family, employees of Gierke Farms, and the racing community for all the love and support during this difficult time.

Flower arrangements can be made with Creations An Event Studio of Alexandria or Main Street Boutique of Sauk Centre.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.