Catherine Elizabeth Gehrke passed away Monday December 18 at the age of 99. She was born May 26, 1924 to Helen and Englebert Nussbaumer. She was baptized, confirmed and a lifelong member of Christ Lutheran Church, Oshkosh.

She received her primary education at Boyd School where, as a student, Catherine had the job of arriving prior to the teacher and starting the wood stove so that the school was warm.  Catherine Graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1942.

Upon the death of her parents, at age 19 Catherine raised her 12-year-old sister, May Rose E Nussbaumer, who had childhood diabetes, into adulthood. Catherine was employed by Deltox Rug Company in Oshkosh.

On May 14, 1948 Catherine married Clarence Zimdars. He passed away in a motorcycle accident a few weeks after their wedding. On July 2, 1949 Catherine married Vernon E Gehrke in Shawano, WI. They resided in Oshkosh in Catherine's childhood home and raised four children: Michael E (Marjorie) of Omro, WI, James B of Oshkosh, WI, Jeffery V (Pam) of Oshkosh, WI and Wanda K (Gary Schwoch) of Menomonie, WI.

Catherine was primarily a home maker managing children, large vegetable and flower gardens, canning, sewing, cooking, baking and helping her sister live independently until her death at age 60. Catherine babysat grandchildren, took care of her Aunt, Freida Nussbaumer, who lived across the road, and helped Vernon train his racing pigeons. She and Vernon were generous with family while living frugally and not wasting anything.

Catherine is survived by her children; grandchildren Cameron, Stewart, Travis (Rachel Hollender), Taylor, Andrew, Matthew, Laura Gehrke, Morgan and Fallon (Jacob Roberts) Schwoch. She has three great grandchildren Shaile Gehrke, Anna Gehrke and Freya Roberts.

Preceding Catherine in death are her husband's Clarence and Vernon, and sister May Rose.

Rather than flowers, Catherine would prefer memorials be given to Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Oshkosh.

Funeral services will be held at Seefeld Family of Funeral Chapels, 1025 Oregon St. Oshkosh, 12:00 noon with Pastor Connie Weiss officiating, Friday December 22. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Internment will take place after the service at Peace Lutheran Cemetery, Waukau Ave. Oshkosh.