Heather M. Gurke

Heather M. Gurke, age 51, of Ripon, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025 at Ripon Community Hospital surrounded by her family. Heather was born on June 29, 1973 at home in Ripon; the daughter of Melody (Baumann) and Dennis Gurke. Heather graduated from Ripon High School, class of 1991.  She worked at the Ripon Good Cookie Factory for many years until it closed. She then worked at Alliance Laundry Systems in the Kitting Department until she was no longer able to. She fought a courageous fight against Cancer for 8 years.

Heather was a member of the Steel Workers Union Local 1327. She enjoyed going out for lunch on Saturdays, and getting Starbucks and Shamrock Shakes. She enjoyed shopping with her daughter and collecting Bath N Body Works candles. Heather loved sitting outside with her furry friend, Ruby and spending time with her great niece, Evie. Her greatest passions were Hallmark Christmas Movies and the beauty of flowers. She loved planting and watching them grow.

Heather is survived by her loving daughter, Chloe; parents: Dennis Gurke and Melody Gurke; sisters, Holly (Greg) Curtius, and Missy (Jeff) Wilson; nieces, Raven (Andrew) Wrege and Savannah (Matt) Henning; great niece, Evanna Elaine; special friends, Jack and Gloria Wendler; her furry friend, Ruby; other relatives and many dear friends. She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents; Jerry and Lucille Baumann; paternal grandparents: Walter and Margaret Gurke; and aunt, Emma Baumann.

A Celebration of Life for Heather will be held at 12:00PM on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Divine Passage Funeral Home in Ripon. Family and friends may visit at the funeral home on Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 10:00AM until the time of the services. Interment will be held at Loper Cemetery in the Town of Ripon at a later date. Divine Passage Funeral Home in Ripon is proudly serving the family. Divinepassagefunerals.com

A special thank you to the SSM Fond du Lac Oncology nurses and to the SSM Ripon Community Hospital nurses and staff.

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