Beverly Ann Gehrke

Beverly Ann Gehrke, age 60, crossed to the other side after 37 years of braving ovarian cancer on April 21, 2023.

Beverly (Bev) was born to Jeannette and Robert Chadwick in Neillsville, WI on September 7, 1962. She attended UW-Eau Claire, and afterwards moved to Madison where she met and married Michael Gehrke on September 5th, 1987. Less than a year later, she was diagnosed with stage 3-4 ovarian cancer. At the time, she was given 6 months to a year to live. Coincidentally, an acquaintance mentioned reading a medical magazine featuring a new treatment for cancer called argon coagulator, which is now a common treatment. With nothing to lose, she gave it a shot and it was a success in buying her much more time, along with advancements for cancer treatment. Throughout the years, she had another 8 operations along with heavy doses of chemotherapy and radiation, none of which slowed her down. She never complained and at times insisted on driving herself to treatments. She continued to earn two more degrees from UW Madison for radiology and ultrasound technician, and she developed a passion for exercising, moving her body, and building strength. She competed in the Boston Marathon in 2012 and the Ironman in Madison in 2007, the latter in which she completed only seven months after an operation and chemotherapy regimen. She also worked full time as an ultrasound tech for Saint Marys and Group Health Cooperative in Madison where she made many friends.

Bev made an impact on everyone she met with her infectious smile and laughter. She always made a point to show up for family and friends through her love and support and had a knack for making everyone around her feel comfortable in her presence. She was a friend to animals and they were a friend to her. Throughout the years, Bev and Mike traveled the world together, and had a love for one another that stood the test of time and cancer.

Special thanks to friends and family for their support, particularly most recent. And to our friends with Hospice who made the journey easier.

A casual celebration of life will be held at Lussier Family Heritage Center, 3101 Lake Farm Rd, Madison, WI, on June 10, 2023, from 2-6 pm. In lieu of flowers you can make a donation to Hospice or a charity of your choice in Bev’s name.