Bernard Erke

Bernard Erke, age 99, of Barry, IL passed away October 22, 2024 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL.  He was born in Hull, IL to Clarence and Helen Arthur Erke on June 20, 1925.  He married Gilda A. Bradshaw on August 26, 1948 at Akers Chapel and after 76 years of marriage, she preceded him in death by five days on October 17, 2024.

Bernard loved farming and was a lifelong livestock and grain farmer.  He also sold seed corn and was an insurance salesman for a time.  He was known to be innovative and practiced conservation. 

He was an avid bowler and participated in leagues and tournaments, bowling his last game in September of this year.  He also enjoyed flower gardening.  Bernard had a meticulous business mind and was a determined person. He was a member of the Tabernacle of Praise in Hannibal, MO and loved to discuss the Bible. Bernard served on several school and church boards.  He was known to be a man of his word and a thinker.  He was just short of his goal of living to 100! 

Bernard is survived by; sons, Lynn Erke of Barry, IL, James (Toni) Erke of New Canton, IL, and Thomas (Terri) Erke of New Canton,IL; daughters, Anita (Phillip) Bellovich of New Canton,IL, and Susan (Michael) Neff, of Hannibal, MO; Daughter in law, Carol Erke (Gary Schlosser); many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great, great grandchildren; and multiple nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by; his loving wife, Gilda A. Erke; parents, Clarence and Helen Erke; son, David L. Erke; daughter, Janice Lynn Erke; grandson, Cristopher Todd; great grandson, Oliver Schenck; sisters and brothers in law, Bernice (Paul) Woodward and Marjorie (Robert) Epperson; and daughters in law, Deborah (Lynn) Erke, and Carla (Jim) Erke.

Visitation will be Friday, October 25, 2024, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, IL. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, October 26, at the Tabernacle of Praise in Hannibal, MO with visitation from 9:00 am until time of service.  Interment will follow the service at Akers Chapel Cemetery in Hull, IL. Memorials are suggested to Akers Chapel Cemetery.  Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com.  Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, IL is handling the arrangements.

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