Larry Gierke

January 22, 1939 - January 16, 2019

Larry Gierke, 79, of Kankakee passed away on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. He was born on January 22, 1939 in Clifton, the son of Vernon and Irene Vimpeny Gierke. Larry married Judith Johnson on August 20, 1960 at Asbury United Methodist Church in Kankakee. Larry was a Firefighter for the City of Kankakee for 23 years. He enjoyed maintaining his yard, joking around and playing pranks on his family and was a fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. He loved his animals – especially his Golden Retriever Marti- and being with his family and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Judy Gierke of Kankakee; two daughters Gretchen (Jeff) Stoltz of St. Anne and Lisa Gierke of Kankakee; five grandchildren Kara (Ivan) Vityk of Crystal Lake, Jon Stiverson (Krista Eberle) of Manhattan, David (Amy) Tiburtini of Limestone, Stacy Tiburtini of St. Anne, and Lauren (Jeff) Fox of Tampa, FL; two great grandsons Jaxon and Archer Fox; and many special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son Larry L. Gierke Jr. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 from 4-8pm at Schreffler Funeral Home in Kankakee. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at 11am, also at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Mound Grove Cemetery in Kankakee. Memorials may be made to the family wishes.