Vernon Ronald “Bernie” Gehrking, 94, of Spring Valley, Minn., passed away on March 25, 2025, surrounded by those closest and dearest to him. Vernon was born on April 29, 1930, in Spring Valley, Minn., the son of Verna (Miland) and Albert Gehrking. Vernon left school in the eighth grade from St. John’s Parochial School in 1944, and stayed on the farm until age 18. He enlisted in the Air Force where he worked as a machinery technician for four years. Upon returning from service, he married Audrey Behnke in Preston, Minn., May 31, 1952, and to them were born Cindy (1953), David (1956), Jeffery (1959), John (1960), Jerome (1964), Charles (1966), and twins Gale and Dale (1969). Vernon worked as a technician for Kohlmeyer’s John Deere and was sent to attend technical school with John Deere in Pennsylvania early 1960s. He moved to Stewartville in 1966 and worked for John Deere Rochester until early 1970s. He continued his mechanical career as the owner of Gehrking’s Mobile Repair; slogan “Have wrench, will monkey.” He was known through his life as being a fair, respectful, and honest businessman. He was kept close between his clients and vendors, a regular at Isenburg’s John Deere, Marzolf Implement, and Hyland Ford. Vernon resided in Stewartville until his marriage to Jeanette. Vernon married Jeanette Baker in Loveland, Colo., July 10, 1973. They both moved to Spring Valley, Minn., where they would become active members of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, the community, and surrounding area. Vernon married Dale Olson (Johnson) in Spring Valley, Minn., May 1, 1981. They moved out to the farm north of Spring Valley in January 1985. He turned his farm into a home, an office, a shop and a playground. People and clients came from miles around to inquire about his services or to stop in and chat. He was best known for being the “tractor repair man” and the “tractor doctor.” Vernon retired from Gehrking’s Mobile Repair in 2018 at the age of 87, sold the farm and moved back into Spring Valley, where he remained until his departure. Vernon and Dale would have celebrated 44 years of marriage on May 1, and celebrate his 95th birthday on April 29. His favorite hobbies were fishing, hunting, tending to the garden, restoring tractors, family gatherings, and playing games. He was kind and compassionate to the animals around the yard. During the summertime, Vernon and family participated in tractor shows and parades in Spring Valley. His favorite activities outside his hobbies and work, was spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren. He was very patient and content with any activity, as long as he was sharing those moments with his family.
He is survived by his wife Dale, his siblings Vivian Gehrking, James Gehrking, Ruth Rentschler, Evelyn Smith, Barbara Smith, Roger Gehrking and Robert Gehrking; his children Cindy Kunz, David Gehrking, John Gehrking, Jerome Gehrking, Charles Gehrking, Gale and Dale Gehrking and Christine Shaw (Olson), and a great many nieces and nephews, cousins, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a great-great-grandchild, and many in-laws.
He is preceded in his death by his parents Verna and Albert, brother Marvin, son Jeffery, and daughter Bethany Olson.
Services will be held at Valley Christian Center in Spring Valley, Minn., on April 12. Visitation starts at 3:30 p.m. and funeral service starts at 4:30 p.m., supper to be served after, by Vernon’s favorite diner. Military honors will be conducted. He will be laid to rest in Spring Valley Cemetery, summer of 2025.