Kevin Lee Gerke
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Kevin Lee Gerke, 47, of Belton, Missouri passed away April 9, 2020 at his home. Kevin’s Celebration of Life is being planned for July and the family will update everyone as soon as a date and place can be posted.
Kevin was born October 24, 1972 in Sedalia, Missouri. He is a 1991 graduate of Sacred Heart High School in Sedalia, Missouri. Kevin continued his education at Central Methodist College and University of Central Missouri. In 2017, he graduated with his doctorate from Baker University. He married his high school sweetheart, Carmen Ann Dixon on June 22, 1996 and they have three handsome sons; Zachary (1999), Brett and Braden (2003).
He started his career as a Social Studies teacher and coach at Lebanon, Missouri. He spent most of his time in Belton School District as a teacher, head basketball coach, and assistant principal. Kevin is known for coaching perhaps the best team in BHS basketball history, holding a school record of 22 wins in a season. Additionally, he led his teams to two conference championships and one district championship.
In his current role, he was an Athletic Director/Assistant Principal at Blue Valley Northwest High School in Overland Park, Kansas. Beyond his success on the court, Kevin’s impact goes much further as he touched many lives throughout his career in education. He had a big heart for those with special needs. Out of the many successful seasons, his most enjoyable seasons were spent coaching his three boys, Zach, Brett, and Braden in any sport they pursued.
Kevin took great care of his health, was an avid runner and completed many half marathons. Above all else, he was a family man who was deeply caring and compassionate for all of those closest to him, providing for, and supporting them whenever they needed him.
He is preceded in death by: grandparents; William and Florence Gerke, Clarence and Dorothy Bremer; uncles, Joseph and James Gerke. Survivors include; wife, Carmen Gerke; sons, Zach, Brett and Braden; parents, Donald Lee and Debra Jo (Bremer) Gerke; sister, Angela (Gerke) Faler; in-laws, Richard and Mary Dixon; brothers-in-law, Tony and his wife Penny, Brad and his wife Meghan; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visits: 17
I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Kevin, I attended school with him at Sacred Heart in Sedalia, Mo. I have good memories of our time at school. I can understand how Kevin become such a good teacher and coach to kids. His legacy helped to improve many people’s lives and will be felt for generations to come.
Kevin was a wonderful man. He will be missed by many.
Although both my wife and I never had the pleasure of meeting Kevin, we both feel that we knew him through his parents Don and Debbie Gerke as well as his sister Angie. Don, Debbie, and Angie are some of the most unselfish, loving and caring people that you would ever want to know. We know in our Hearts that Kevin was every bit as wonderful as his Family, and our hearts go out to all of them.
loving prayers for peace and comfort for the family.
My heart goes out to all of Kevin’s family. “Coach” Gerke touched so many lives and was a father figure to a lot of kids. He will be missed greatly. Prayers to you all.
Carmen, Zach, Brett, and Brayden; we are so sorry at the way this has happened and for the hole in your hearts you are experiencing. Losing a loved one so unexpectedly leaves a hole in your lives that will be there for a long while. Kevin was such an influence on our family; we enjoyed so much the experiences we shared with you guys for so many years. Randy enjoyed coaching with Kevin across so many teams and Thomas enjoyed playing for him. Sarah also was in his last class of eighth graders at Yeokum. Kevin did indeed build a legacy that will be seen in young men and women for years to come.
What an absolutely incredible man! So honored to have him as my class principal. He cared so deep for his students. He was an incredible coach and principal. My deepest thoughts and prayers are with the family. He will be dearly missed.
The Nobrega family is shocked and so very saddened to hear of Dr. Gerke’s passing. He was a fixture at Blue Valley Northwest, and deeply committed to the staff, teachers, and students. We are thinking of the Gerke family, and the large Blue Valley family during this difficult time.
Kevin was the best administrator and he will be missed by all.
I worked with Mr Gerke in Belton, Mo. and as his subordinate always addressed him as such, out of respect. He never treated any one less than his equal no matter what their position. He believed we were all in the business of educating children and the students were his priority. I have much admiration for him and was proud to have had the opportunity to work with him. He will truly be missed.
Kevin and I were neighborhood kids that played day after day. We had a good group of kids who loved to play wiffle ball . He was a great guy who will be missed. Keeping his wife and family in our prayers …
So sorry for your family’s loss. Praying for you all during this time.
I was so shocked to hear the awful news the Coach Gerke passed away. Although I didn’t talk much to him while I went to Belton I knew he was a good person. The Gerke family is in my thoughts and prayers in this hard time.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family!! I did not know Kevin but his parents Don and Deb come to the Vet clinic I work for and I adore them greatly!!
I didn’t know Kevin but can tell he was a person that made this world a better place. I guess god needed another athletic director although I know he was needed more down here.
I am sorry to learn of Kevin’s passing. I worked with him at Belton when he was an assistant principal. My prayers are with his family.
Coach was a good man. So many children looked up to him. He kept my “rebel child” somewhat under control. My condolences to all that knew and loved him. God speed
My heart goes out to all of Kevin’s family. I had the pleasure of working with him for years at Belton Freshman Center. He treated everyone with respect. He could be so serious when needed and then he could also joke with you. He touched so many lives of students and staff and will be greatly missed.
Dick and Mary and Carmen I am so so sorry to hear of this news ,
Tammy Walker
Mr. Gerke really helped me through school . I would always go to his office and just talk to him about my day . He will truly be missed !
Our condolences to your family. We pray for your comfort now and in the days to come.
Sincerely
Juli Boyd Whitney
I played basketball for him in high school and we were the first team in 30 years to win the conference championship. He was a good coach and a good man. My prayers and condolences to the family. He will be missed.
Prayers to Kevin and his family. He was a kind man and seemed to love working with students. I had the pleasure of working with him in Belton and Blue Valley. He meant a lot to both communities. May his family be comforted during this time of trail and grief.
Kevin was truly my cool, even- tempered, rock of an administrator when it came to dealing with my students and disciplinary issues. Most of all, I always knew he had my back. As a supervisor he was calm and reassuring. Kevin, you will be so greatly missed. May your memory be eternal.
Carmen and boys, I feel so bad for you. I don’t believe I ever met Kevin, but know he was a good husband and father and that you will be lost without him. I think of you all often since this sudden tragedy.
So sorry for your loss. We remember fondly watching Kevin play sports at Sacred Heart. Know that we and all your Sacred Heart family are surrounding you in prayer at this time. God bless you all
Prayers for the family.