Address
Locke on 4th
1519 W 4th St.
Waterloo, IA 50702
Funeral Service
September 25, 2026
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Locke on 4th
1519 West 4th St., Waterloo, IA
Chris Gerke, 51, of Rake, died on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at his aunt’s farm in Thompson.
Chris was born on March 28, 1975 in Iowa City, to Dennis and Hazel “Ann” Spaulding Gerke.
He was a 1993 graduate of Waverly High School.
He married Melanie Karr and they later separated.
Chris served in the United States Navy, 1997 to 2005 as a diesel mechanic and received an honorable discharge.
Chris enjoyed playing the guitar.
He is survived by his adoptive father, Dennis Gerke of Waterloo’ mother, Hazel “Ann” Gerke of Shell Rock’3 half brothers, 2 half sisters and numerous cousins, aunts and uncles.
Chris is preceded in death by his grandparents, step father, Ralph Ackerman and birth father Joseph Arthur Long.
Memorial Services: 10:00 AM on Friday, September 25, 2026 at Locke on 4th, Waterloo with inurnment in Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery. Military rites by United States Navy and Waterloo American Legion.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Arrangements by Locke on 4th, Waterloo, IA. Condolences may be left at www.LockeFuneralServices.com
Chris was more like my best friend, we were always together. I still can’t believe how fast
he went. He did a lot up at the farm. He has family all over a halve brother in connecticut a half
Brother in Williamsberg IA, A wife In Florida, A aunt, an uncle, and halve brother in Rake, a
half-sister in waterloo IA. The last few years we all were getting together to celebrate
the holidays. Chris will not be forgotten. Please everyone keep Chris in your prayers.
Chris has 3 half brothers Joseph Long, Richard Long, Steven Alexander Long.
1 half sister Jacquelyne Long. He lived with his uncle Scott spaulding and his
aunt Peggy Sue OConnell. He will be missed by all