Delores Gehrke, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on January 4, 2026, in Clark, South Dakota, at the age of 87. Born on March 4, 1938, in Willow Lake, South Dakota, to Lyle and Bertha (Warkenthien) Lamb.  Delores was a cherished member of her community and a devoted caregiver to her family.

Delores dedicated many years to honing her craft as an exceptional cook, sharing her talents with the patrons of the Willow Lake Lounge and Sale Barn Café. Her kitchen became a sanctuary where love flowed as freely as the aromas of her famous meatloaf, meatballs, and the much-anticipated Christmas cookies. While others attempted to replicate her cherished cookie recipe, none could capture the magic that Delores infused into each batch, making them a true holiday delight for her family.

She was a nurturing soul who made sure that everyone left her home feeling cared for and well-fed. Her personality radiated warmth, and she was known for her loving, caring, and giving spirit. Delores actively participated in her neighborhood and community, fostering connections and support among residents.

A proud graduate of Willow Lake High School, Delores attended country school until the eighth grade, exemplifying a strong commitment to her education. She was not only a dedicated student but also embraced a life filled with rich experiences, becoming a devoted member of the Congregational Church, which later became the Lake Gospel Church. There, she was baptized and confirmed, celebrating her union with her beloved husband, Walter, on August 26, 1956. For many years, she took part in women's groups, Sunday school, and even served on the church board, leaving an indelible mark on her faith community.

Delores’s love for gardening was evident in her beautiful blooms and plentiful vegetable harvests, particularly her cherished peonies and gladiolus. Gathering friends for coffee at her home was a passion of hers, where she made certain that snacks and treats were always available, creating an inviting atmosphere for all. Delores also enjoyed bowling, participating in the Late Ladies bowling league for many years where she made many strikes and many more friends.

In addition to her culinary and gardening talents, Delores took immense pride in her family. She was a hardworking mother, always ensuring her children enjoyed home-cooked meals and wore lovingly hand-sewn clothing. Delores leaves behind children Vickie (Larry) Dreher, Cindy (Mark) Borg, Brian (Patty) Gehrke, and Glenn (Peggy Jennings) Gehrke; grandchildren Doug (Heidi) Gehrke, Melissa (Tim) Smith, Cassie (Kyal) Auch, Amy Dreher, Ashley (Adam) Borg, and Greg Noethlich; and great-grandchildren Ian, Bennett, and Lincoln Smith, Brianne (Adam Hust) and Gabby Noethlich, Cole (Karli), Madison, and Maryssa Gehrke, McKenna, Gavin, Jax, and Trayson Auch, and Wesley, Gracie, Kylie, and Avery Borg. She is also survived by step-grandchildren Cassie (Mark) Hafner and Brittany (Angel) Borg, step-great-grandchildren Preston and Scarlett Hafner, and Luca and Ruby Aybar-Borg; sibling Vergean (Garald) Harms, and siblings-in-law Marlene Lamb, Joyce (Roy) Brothers, Marilyn (Rich) Grable, and Marge Rhode; and several nieces and nephews.

Delores is reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Walter Gehrke; her parents Lyle and Bertha Lamb; siblings Verdon Lamb and Arlene Hodges; son Douglas Ray Gehrke; granddaughter Jessica Noethlich; and great-grandson Joshua Borg.

Delores Gehrke was a beacon of love and nourishment not only for her family but for all who knew her. Her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched with her kindness and culinary talents. Services to honor her life will be held at Lake Gospel Church, with visitation on January 11, 2026, followed by the funeral service at Lake Gospel Church on January 12, 2026, and interment at Collins Cemetery.