Virginia Beverly Gerke Strikwerda

Virginia Beverly Gerke Strikwerda passed away January 18, 2006. Ginny was born to Paul and Estella Gerke on February 1, 1930, in San Francisco, CA. Her childhood was spent in Alameda, CA. She graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in education. Ginny married Derk Strikwerda on July 22, 1951. They were blessed with three sons and one daughter. The marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on August 31, 1973.

Ginny and Derk spent the early part of their marriage in Glendora, CA. She taught at the junior high level for many years. In 1963, they bought two fishing lodges at Fish Lake, UT. With the help of their children, they operated the resorts during the summer months until 1981. Their children are deeply grateful for the magical summers spent at Fish Lake. In 1967, Ginny and Derk moved their family to Fallbrook, where Ginny resided until her death. When their children were grown, Ginny and Derk enjoyed the gem and mineral business which allowed them to travel throughout the western states.

Ginny was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and teacher. She was an avid skier, tenacious tennis player and world traveler. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a strong faith in God and the power of prayer. She loved sorority reunions, ski vacations, sight-seeing excursions and trips to her ranch in southern Utah. A highlight was the Northern European cruise she and Derk took to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Ginny never sat still. She was a persistent problem-solver and did all she could to support her husband and children in their careers and family responsibilities. The word “impossible” was not in her vocabulary. If she set her mind to do something, she did it! Her family loved her cheerful nature, generosity and sincere loyalty.

Ginny was preceded in death by her beloved husband Derk. She is survived by her children Mark (Rachel), Scott (Liz), Brett (Dana) and Karen Mitchell, brother Jim Gerke, and grandchildren Scott (Heather), Kevin, Matt, Erik, Chase, Hayden, Marin, Katy, Jake and Erin.

Funeral services were held on January 24 at the Fallbrook Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. An internment will be held on January 28, 2006, at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, Salt Lake City, UT.