Robert L. 'Bob' Gefke

OREGON- Robert L. “Bob” Gefke, age 89, of Oregon, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012, at his home. He was born on Sept. 21, 1922, in Oregon, the son of Robert A. and Amanda (Schmeckle) Gefke. Bob farmed in the Oregon area his whole life. He delivered milk as a young boy, often getting to school a bit late. It didn't seem to impact his grades because he was the valedictorian of his class, graduating in 1941. During high school, Bob was on the boxing team and only had one loss. On May 28, 1949, he married Jean Zimmerman in Belleville. Bob loved his Holstein dairy cattle and had an extensive milk bottle collection. He was the American Farmer of the Year in 1941. Bob enjoyed mowing lawn and served on the Tri-State Board. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jean; children, Steven (Carol) Gefke, Jackie Gefke, Paul (Jill) Gefke, Betsy (Jim) Brown and Robert A. (Lisa) Gefke; seven grandchildren, Tina (Andy) Buttchen, Jenni (Kent) Thompson, Kendra (Andy) Robinson, Derick, Emily and Natalie Gefke and Annie Brown; five great-grandchildren, Braedan, Elnora, Harrison, Greta and Trynity; brother, Stanford Gefke; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; and one sister. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 1150 Park Street, Oregon, at noon, on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012, with the Rev. Scott Geister-Jones presiding. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Madison Area Down Syndrome Society, PO Box 44796, Madison, Wisconsin 53744. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Madison Area Down Syndrome Society, PO Box 44796, Madison, Wisconsin 53744. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 1150 Park Street, Oregon, at noon, on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012, with the Rev. Scott Geister-Jones presiding.