of Searcy, AR
April 22, 1964 - January 14, 2024
John Renfroe Gerke passed away on January 14, 2024. He was born April 22, 1964 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Judy Ann Renfroe Gautreau and Willy Gerke.
Preceded in death by infant son, Zachary and his Grandparents.
Survived by Wife, Heather Gerke; Children, Joey Gerke, Luke Maguffee Gerke and Hannah Gerke; Mother, Judy Ann Renfroe Gautreau and Father, Willy Gerke; Sister, Lesley Gerke Oslica (Connie); Nephew, Ren Oslica (Nicole) and Niece, Katie Holt (David) and great nieces and nephews. Godmother and twin mom, Jane Little (Tommy); many aunts, uncles and cousins who he grew up with and loved dearly.
John was the proud owner of Gerke Energy Services and recently went to work for Alpha Energy Services. He was a very dedicated and hard-working man but mainly dedicated himself to his family who he loved dearly and cherished.
He loved anything and everything sports and watching them with his kids. Was always there for Lukes's baseball games and Hannah's basketball games and very rarely missed one. He may have embarrassed them a time or two with his robust cheering.
He loved his Harley, which is probably the only thing he ever did for himself and looked forward to teaching Luke to ride and taking Hannah for a ride. He may have used up several of the more than nine lives he was given by the Grace of God.
John was larger than life and one of a kind! He kept us all laughing! John had a lot of nicknames, the earliest one being Charmin which his Grandma Snookie gave him and his tall stall stature earned him the nickname ''Shorty'' that some of his family still lovingly call him. Family gatherings, Dirty Santa and Easter Egg Hunts will never be the same without him. There will never be another John Renfroe Gerke!!
John will be dearly missed by all who knew him. May you rest in peace.
Services will be held at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Bigelow, AR on January 27, 2024. Visitation in the parish hall (beside the church) from 10:30 to 11:30, at 11:30 Interment at Cemetery, also by the church. Lunch in the hall after interment.
Services by Roller McNutt in Conway. Thank you, Kim.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Children's Tumor Foundation (CTF.org) or the Arkansas Foodbank
There is a GoFundMe me page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/john-gerke-family-support or donations can be made directly to Arkansas Federal Credit Union in Searcy or Conway in the account name: Gerke Family Expenses.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 15013277727.
Sign Guestbook
12 Condolence(s)
James Busby
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
John always made me smile. With His Crooked Smile & a Wink in his eye. With heavy heart I remember all the Amazing Times Growing Up as Kids.
John always had your back, & told you straight about what was on his mind.
I Love that Man We all lost a Great Man. May God Rest You John in His Heart old Friend. Buzz
Mike Self
Sunday, January 28, 2024
Love you brother! I will see you again!
Timothy Hugh Davidson
Saturday, January 27, 2024
I wish could come today, I'm so ashamed of myself over how I treated Leslie after all the way to Chicago but I already had PTSD because I didn't get a voice other than prison or service at 17.
You ever need me, don't hesitate,you and Willie Leslie and John were my favorite people. I didn't realize how ducked up Dad was treating Mom until later.35388950 With love ,Tim
Paul Robertson
Friday, January 26, 2024
John - I’ll miss you Bud. Thank you for always keeping me laughing. You’ll be missed daily. Love you my friend.
MONICA LEE GREEN
Friday, January 26, 2024
Heather and family,
I am praying for you during this time of grief and hold you all close to my heart. John was one of the best people I have ever been around and would give you the shirt off back if you needed it. He always saw the good in everyone he met and would give you the opportunity to show him your true self. He will be greatly miss by all who knew and loved him. He made many friends throughout his life and many great memories to remember and help to carry you through until you meet again.
Love you and will be keeping you in our prayers throughout the weeks, months and years ahead.
Monica Green
Ray Hart
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Best friend I ever had, you will truly be missed! I love and miss you bro.
Timothy Hugh Davidson
Monday, January 22, 2024
Heartbreaks. They say your 1st best friend,will be your last.
My heart is bleeding, I loved my 1st and last best friend. I'm am forever in debt to this family.
Margrett Kight
Saturday, January 20, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Have all of you in my prayers.
Charles Wesley Patterson
Friday, January 19, 2024
John will be missed very much by all his friends and family he was definitely one of a kind. Always looked at the bright side of everything me and John go back a long time ago when we were on the swim team together with miller swim gym where me and John stayed in trouble all the time for hanging on the lane ropes and had green hair from the chlorine in the pool. I’m going to miss you John always in my memory.
Wes Patterson
Charles and Jeanette Scott
Friday, January 19, 2024
Thinking of you and your family. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Bradley McWilliams
Friday, January 19, 2024
Known and worked with John for 15 years. Always larger than life! My thoughts are with the family at this time.
Janice Wilkerson
Thursday, January 18, 2024
So sorry for the loss of John. I remember him when he was a young child. He was so sweet , a cheerful little guy. I know all oof the family has great memories of John. Hold them tight in your heart. I am keeping all of you in my prayers.