Gene Gierke

Gene Gierke of La Porte, Indiana passed away this week.

“I loved teaching! Seeing the light of understanding and appreciation were very valuable reactions to reading and hearing the discussions and lessons of the day. Most students reacted in an appropriate way, with some guidance, which was my part in the process. To understand and appreciate the lesson was the objective. You can’t appreciate something you don’t understand. The understanding was my part to impart and appreciation would follow.”

Gene Gierke spent most of his life in education, partly as a student, but mostly as a teacher, as the previous paragraph indicates. Gene graduated from LaPorte High School and served briefly in the Army before working and saving for college. He graduated from Purdue University where he studied English and Speech, driven by his lifelong love of reading. After graduating, he taught at North Judson High School before joining LaPorte High School, where he was an English teacher and faculty sponsor of the school newspaper, The High Times. After 27 years in education, Gene began a new adventure with a second career until his retirement. In retirement, he returned to the classroom for eight years as a substitute teacher.

Gene was especially proud of his personal achievements, particularly his 35 years in the teaching profession. He also served as president of the LaPorte Area Juvenile Aid Association, helping establish the Boys Country Home for young men in crisis. He led the Godparent Program through St. Joseph’s Church, which provided scholarships for families in need to attend St. Joseph’s Catholic School. He further advocated for both students and teachers during his term on the school board.

Gene was also proud of his family: his wife of 59 years, his three beautiful daughters, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Gene was a devoted Boilermaker sports fan and rarely missed a chance to cheer on Purdue, the Chicago Cubs, and the Chicago Bears. He was also an avid bridge player and had a special place in his heart for his golden retriever, whose companionship brought him daily joy.

It should also be noted that Gene wrote this obituary himself as a final gift of his words to share with those he loved.

Gene requested that memorial donations be made to Dunebrook and to the Garces Foundation. Donations can be submitted online or mailed to the addresses below. Dunebrook 7451 West Johnson Road Michigan City, IN 46360 or Garces Foundation, 1901 S. 9th Street, Room 205, Philadelphia, PA 19148.

Private family services will be at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel in La Porte, Indiana.

To light a virtual candle, share a cherished memory, or leave a message of comfort for Gene’s family, please visit esslingfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gene Gierke, please visit our floral store.