Robert 'Bob' L. Gerke, Longtime Moorhead Educator, Dies at 85

Gerke taught in public schools for 34 years and served as a librarian for the Moorhead Migrant Program.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Robert 'Bob' L. Gerke, a longtime educator in Moorhead, Minnesota, passed away on February 9, 2026, at the age of 85. Gerke taught in public schools in Breckenridge, Dilworth, and Moorhead for 34 years, and also served as the librarian for the Moorhead Migrant Program.

Why it matters

Gerke's dedication to education and service to the Moorhead community over his decades-long career is being remembered and celebrated by his family, friends, and former colleagues and students.

The details

Gerke, the son of the late Frank and Alice Gerke, graduated from Dilworth High School and went on to earn a degree in elementary education with a minor in library science from Moorhead State College (now Minnesota State University Moorhead). In addition to his teaching roles, he also served as the librarian for the Moorhead Migrant Program.

  • Gerke passed away on February 9, 2026.
  • A Gathering of Family and Friends for Bob will begin at 1:00 PM on March 14, 2026, followed by a Celebration of His Life at 2:00 PM, in First Presbyterian Church, Moorhead, MN.

The players

Robert 'Bob' L. Gerke

An 85-year-old longtime educator who taught in public schools in Breckenridge, Dilworth, and Moorhead, Minnesota for 34 years, and also served as the librarian for the Moorhead Migrant Program.

Frank and Alice Gerke

Gerke's late parents.

Darlene Fisher

Gerke's sister, living in Fargo, North Dakota.

Gary (Marna) Gerke

Gerke's brother, living in Lindstrom, Minnesota.

Sharon (Clifford) McGinnis

Gerke's sister, living in Maplewood, Minnesota.

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What’s next

Gerke will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead.

The takeaway

Gerke's long career as an educator and librarian in the Moorhead community is being remembered and celebrated by his family, friends, and former colleagues and students, highlighting the lasting impact he had on the lives of those he served over his decades-long career.