Leon R. (Bud) Gierke

Leon R. "Bud" Gierke, 88, Plainfield, IN., met his Savior on December 11, 2009. Born in Chicago, Il. on June 30, 1921 to Arthur and Mabel (Jahnke) Gierke. He graduated from high school in Chesterton, IN. Bud enlisted with the Army Air Corp., serving in WW II, 1942-1945. He graduated from Valparaiso University in 1949 with P.E. and history degrees. At Valpo he played baseball and met Trudy Lovekamp. They married on Aug. 21, 1948, and enjoyed 61 happy years together. Bud earned his Master's at U. of Illinois (1952); taught/coached in Indiana, Peoria and Jacksonville, IL; was a HS/college guidance councilor, retiring in 1977 from Lincoln Land College, Springfield, IL. For 40 plus years, Bud filled various ministry roles at Salem Lutheran Church, Jacksonville, IL, including chairman and youth study bible leader. Other joys in life included tending to the Gierke family farm(Woodlawn) east of Jacksonville and hosting many happy gatherings. Bud's many projects were lessons in ingenuity and hard work for his family. In 2003, the Gierkes sold the farm, an Underground RR site to the county historical society to continue a legacy of education and service. Bud spent many hours on the golf course with his family and friends. He was a storyteller, passing along war stories, family tales, and a good dose of humor. Survived by his wife, Trudy (Lovekamp) Gierke; daughter, Sara Krenzke (John); grandchildren, Anna Snodgrass (Brian), Peter Krenzke, Mark Krenzke; brother, Duane Gierke (Jackie); sister-in-law, Peggy Gierke. Preceding him in death were brothers, Glen and Skip Gierke. Visitation Thur. Dec. 17, 4-8 pm at Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield, IN. Services Friday, Dec. 18, at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, Indianapolis. 11:30 am visitation followed by a 12:30 pm service of praise and thanksgiving, and a luncheon. Burial Saturday, Dec. 19, 12:00 pm (central) time, at Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Jacksonville,Il.- luncheon follows at Salem Lutheran Church. Memorials to Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, 9101 W. 10th St, Indianapolis, IN. or Salem Lutheran Church, 222 E. Beecher, Jacksonville, IL.