Arlys Ann Gehrke, age 80, of Rochester died Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at her home surrounded by her family.

Arlys was born October 9, 1938 Cresco, IA, the daughter of Edwin and Marian (Elfrink) Kappers.  She was hand-picked by her loving husband, Donald Gehrke. They were married November 24, 1954 at St. Ignatius in Spring Valley, MN. She loved to quilt, and quilted for all of her family members. She enjoyed going for putts on the lake. She was an avid reader. She and Don travelled extensively throughout Europe and the United States. Most importantly she loved spending time with all of her grandchildren.

Arlys is survived by her husband, Don; children: Steven (Tracy) Gehrke of Nevis, MN, Pamela (Rick) Hanson of Pine Island, Shelly (Scott) Birgin of Champlin, MN; grandchildren: Ben Gehrke, Kate  Howard, Jennifer Hanson, Isaac Bissen, Matt Birgin, Nicole McDaniel, and Derek Birgin; great-grandchildren: Aiden, Quinnlan, Makenzie, Aubriana, Blaze, Josslynne, Kai, Griffin, Emerson, and Stella; siblings: Larry (Marilyn) Kappers of Spring Valley, and Sharon Lowe of Mazeppa,.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

A funeral service for Arlys will be held Friday, September 20, 2019 at 2:30PM in River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, with Rev. Russell Scepaniak officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester at a later date. Memorials are preferred to St. Jude's Children's Cancer Fund or to St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester.