On Sept. 19, 2020, Charles “Charlie” Gebeke went to heaven to be with his many family and friends who have passed before him.
Charlie was born in Fargo, North Dakota, Oct. 28, 1942, to Francis (Schuman) Gebeke and Edward Gebeke. He attended country school and Detroit Lakes High School. After graduation he worked as a carpenter before moving to Melrose to work at Gebeke Transport. Charlie joined the National Guard where he was a member for 20-plus years. He was a member of various organizations in Melrose. Charlie opened his own repair shop in 1984 and continued working there until retiring due to poor health. After retirement you would find Charlie watching car races, visiting his auto shop and going out to lunch with friends.
Charlie was a car enthusiast to the strongest extent. He loved racing in earlier years and left behind 41 boxes full of car magazines, in addition to a shop full of car parts. His last day living was spent in his auto shop and even to that day he could tell you the year and model of his car parts.
Charlie is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary; daughters Debora (Larry) Sutton, of Hinckley, and Pamela (Matt) Clausen, of Missoula Montana; two grandchildren Andrew and Ashley Sutton; sisters Mary Kay Brown, of Madelia, Patricia Schererr, of Osseo, Linda Ketola, of Eveleth; and brother Chuck Gebeke, of St. Paul.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Francis Gebeke Amundson and Edward Gebeke.
A visitation was held at Sacred Heart Church in Freeport on Sept. 25, 2020 with a memorial service, followed by a Melrose Veterans Honor Guard military ceremony.
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