Dolores Gehrke

Dolores “Lolly” Gehrke (née Berger) passed away peacefully on April 21, 2026, at the age of 86. She was born on April 23, 1939, in Chicago to John and Elizabeth Berger.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clifford Gehrke (2002); her parents; and her eleven siblings: Jacob, John, Joseph, Peter, Edward, Frank, Marie, Josephine, Paulina, Anne Marie, and Helen.

Lolly is survived by her loving daughters: Debra (Patrick Mischo) Park, Denise (Craig) Hejny, Dori (Fred) Von Bargen, and Jennifer (John) Miles. She was a proud grandmother to Kristina (Daniel), Michael, Christopher (Danielle), Emily (Jonah), Katie, Johnny, Lisa, Kimberly (Rene), Chris (Melanie), and Jason (Sara), and a cherished great-grandmother to Autumn, Marco, Nico, Madeline, Penelope, and Genevieve. She also adored her “grand fur babies”.

Lolly grew up in Chicago and attended St. Michael’s High School and DePaul University. She married her first husband in 1959, and together they had four daughters. In 1976, she met the love of her life, Clifford, at a local diner in Grayslake. They were married on February 19, 1977, and made their home in Grayslake until 1984, when they relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico. For the next decade, their home became a welcoming destination for family and friends. In 1994, they returned to McHenry.

Lolly treasured her friendships and maintained many lifelong bonds, especially with Sandy Paul Grisham and Marilyn Micheau. She loved to travel and enjoyed day trips - particularly those that included a little gambling. She also delighted in garage sales, always on the hunt for hidden treasures. A dedicated member of her community, Lolly taught water aerobics at the YMCA in Crystal Lake and worked at a local golf course for 12 years, where she was known for making the best Bloody Mary’s for her “guys.” She also volunteered with Fox Lake Cares, helping provide meals for families in need.  Lolly loved to line dance with her friends every week in Fox Lake.

Lolly will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her family will forever remember her favorite expression: “Love you more.”

A memorial visitation and service are scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2026 at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL, 60030 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm with the service commencing at 7:00pm. Interment will be held privately. 

For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact 847-223-8122.