John Gerke

Born in Houston, Texas on March 4, 1940.

Grew up in Kilgore, Texas (in the East Texas oil field).

Got Bachelor’s Degree from Rice University, in Houston, where I met the girl who became my wife of 50 years as of June 2011.

Taught junior high in San Antonio for four years, then joined IBM. Worked in a number of capacities with IBM in San Antonio, Phoenix and Fort Worth where I finished my career in marketing and retired in 1995.

Anne and I moved to Sisters in May of 1999.

Was a founding board member of the East Cascade Bird Conservancy

Volunteered as a firefighter, EMT Basic and Chaplain for Sisters-Camp Sherman fire department, Chaplain for Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Cloverdale and Black Butte fire departments. Retired 10/01/2010 after 11 years.

Currently serve as head deacon for Sisters Community Church and am involved with the Sisters Homeless Coalition

Anne and I share a passion for birding, camping and traveling.

Traveled to Uganda twice on medical and evangelical missions, saw lots of lifers! We have also traveled to Europe twice and to Israel.

We have two children and five grandchildren, including a newly adopted baby girl from China!