Vernon H. Florke Sr.

Vernon Florke, age 88, of Lodgepole, NE passed away on Sunday, June 25, 2023. A service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at Weyerts Immanuel Lutheran Church, Gurley, NE with Pastor Bud Gillespie officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow at the Weyerts Cemetery east of Gurley. Services will be livestreamed on the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel Facebook page and recorded for later viewing on our website.

Friends may stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel on Wednesday from 1-6:00 P.M. with family present 4:00-6:00 to leave condolences. Memorials may be made in Vernon's name to Weyerts Immanuel Lutheran Church or the donor's choice.

You may view Vernon's Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at http://www.gehrigstittchapel.com. Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Vernon's care and funeral arrangements.

Vernon H. Florke Sr., son of Herman and Alma (Grimes) Florke was born on July 13, 1934 on the family farm north of Lodgepole.  Vernon was the second of four children.  He attended District #14 Rush Creek School.  Vernon worked for his Uncle Heiny farming until 1956 when he enlisted in the Army at the age of 22.  After basic training Vernon was stationed at Fort Bliss, TX as a combat engineer for 2 years and was honorably discharged.  Vernon served in the Army Reserve for the following three years while he started his own farm and ranch. 

On May 6, 1978 he was united in marriage to Lucille Gipfert.  He gained 4 stepchildren that he took as his own.  To this union 3 more children were born. 

As well as farming, Vernon went to work for Cabela's DC in 1996.  Vernon made many lifelong friends at the DC and retired from there in 2014.  After retirement from Cabela's, Vernon continued to work on the farm and enjoyed visiting with his friends.

Vernon is survived by his children: Melissa Roelle and husband Derick; Vernon Jr. and wife Christina, both of Lodgepole; John Deal and wife Jennifer of Sidney; Mark Deal and wife Melissa of Sidney; Kerri Bartling and husband Robert of Elm Creek, NE; Mathew Deal of Sutton, ND; 17 grandchildren; siblings: Dale and wife Linda of Cheyenne, WY and Doyle and wife Cindy of Fort Collins, CO; and many extended family members and friends.  

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, sister Lois Wittrock, daughter Shelly Florke and former wife Lucille.