Diane Gehrke

Diane Maxine Gehrke, 70 of Sedalia, passed away Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Bothwell Regional Health Center in Sedalia.

She was born on February 7, 1955, in Thorp, WI, a daughter of Leroy Dettman and Doris Potocnik. On July 3, 1990, in Northland Michigan she married Fred Gehrke.

Diane spent much of her professional life as a teacher specializing in Education with Behavior Disorders, where she impacted the lives of countless students across the state of Michigan. In recent years, she continued her passionate work at Knob Noster Schools in Missouri, where her colleagues and students admired her patience, strength, and heart for education.

A devoted member of the Sedalia Seventh-day Adventist Church, Diane found strength and purpose in her faith, often dedicating her time to serving others in her church and local community. She was a frequent volunteer at the local homeless shelter, where her warmth and generosity brought comfort to many.

Outside of her work and volunteer efforts, Diane found joy in running marathons and reading.

Diane will be remembered for her compassion, dedication, and the positive impact she made in the lives of so many.

Survivors include her mother, Doris Neumann; one son, Isaac Gehrke of Sedalia; one grandson, Draven Gehrke; three brothers, Darrell Dettmann, Lee Dettmann, and Loren Dettman.

In addition to her father and her husband she was preceded in death by two brothers, David Dettmann and Lance Dettmann.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Heckart Funeral Home in Sedalia. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Red Cross.