1954
Steven
2015
Steven Gerecke
December 28, 1954 — June 26, 2015
Gerecke, Steven Paul
Steven Paul Gerecke arrived on this Earth December 28, 1954. He was 60 years old and is survived by his wife of 23 years, Venita (Vinnie) Gerecke; daughter, Heather Alter and son-in-law, Craig Alter; lifelong best friend, Joanie Pearson; mother, Lucille Gerecke of Athens, TN; one brother, Phillip and sister-in-law, Petra; and four nieces and nephews. Steve was preceded in death by his father, Durwood, and eldest brother, James. Steve was born in Brighton, MI, but spent most of his childhood in Lansing, MI. He graduated college in the early 1980’s and moved to Albuquerque where he managed several fine dining establishments in the Albuquerque area for many years. Steve found his passion in bartending and remained with the same establishment that is now known as Spectator’s, for 24 years. Steve was a faithful Christian, loving and tender husband, supportive father and a doting “Papa” to his three granddaughters: Chelcie Sword, Dara Alter and Lexi Alter. Steve also had more friends than any person ever known. He demonstrated his goodness, kindness, honesty, loyalty, compassion and love every day that he lived. Steve was a clean and neat freak to the dismay of anyone who had to maintain his standards at work. He was the same at home. "I can honestly say that for 25 years, I have been treated like a queen, spoiled rotten and at times as is with human nature, took it for granted. Our last encounter was a kiss, an 'I love you' and my wishing him a fun night," says his wife, Vinnie. Steve worked hard, but there was always time for fun and pranks. Vinnie's hope is that all of you who knew him will pass forward a kindness in his name. He was the most generous tender heart one could ever have had the privilege of knowing. Please join us as we Celebrate the Life of Stevie at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 11, 2015 at the South End of Balloon Fiesta Park, by using the Alameda entrance and following the road past the Balloon Fiesta Museum. There will be plenty of parking and let anyone know if you need special assistance because we are all there to help each other. Just follow everyone to the tents! Pastor Jarrett Petero from Calvary Church will officiate the Christian part of our farewell, followed by eulogies, music by Skip Bachelor and Chris Jacob, and stories that could only have been instigated by the “Moon Man” himself. We encourage all you musicians to bring a song, a voice, any instruments are welcome. Stevie wouldn’t have it any other way. Wear comfortable shorts, t-shirts, tye dye for my silly "Dead Head." Refreshments and food will be provided and we encourage you to bring a blanket. We will move chairs so that we eat in the shade and talk of the zany life that was Steve's. Please, no flowers. Donations should be directed to any local organization that assists the blind or visually impaired. Envelopes will be provided at the service. They were his passion. It broke his heart that there were those who couldn’t see the beautiful surroundings we are blessed with on this earth. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com.
Strong-Thorne Life Events Center
1100 Coal Ave SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
505-842-8800
Steven Paul Gerecke arrived on this Earth December 28, 1954. He was 60 years old and is survived by his wife of 23 years, Venita (Vinnie) Gerecke; daughter, Heather Alter and son-in-law, Craig Alter; lifelong best friend, Joanie Pearson; mother, Lucille Gerecke of Athens, TN; one brother, Phillip and sister-in-law, Petra; and four nieces and nephews. Steve was preceded in death by his father, Durwood, and eldest brother, James. Steve was born in Brighton, MI, but spent most of his childhood in Lansing, MI. He graduated college in the early 1980’s and moved to Albuquerque where he managed several fine dining establishments in the Albuquerque area for many years. Steve found his passion in bartending and remained with the same establishment that is now known as Spectator’s, for 24 years. Steve was a faithful Christian, loving and tender husband, supportive father and a doting “Papa” to his three granddaughters: Chelcie Sword, Dara Alter and Lexi Alter. Steve also had more friends than any person ever known. He demonstrated his goodness, kindness, honesty, loyalty, compassion and love every day that he lived. Steve was a clean and neat freak to the dismay of anyone who had to maintain his standards at work. He was the same at home. "I can honestly say that for 25 years, I have been treated like a queen, spoiled rotten and at times as is with human nature, took it for granted. Our last encounter was a kiss, an 'I love you' and my wishing him a fun night," says his wife, Vinnie. Steve worked hard, but there was always time for fun and pranks. Vinnie's hope is that all of you who knew him will pass forward a kindness in his name. He was the most generous tender heart one could ever have had the privilege of knowing. Please join us as we Celebrate the Life of Stevie at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 11, 2015 at the South End of Balloon Fiesta Park, by using the Alameda entrance and following the road past the Balloon Fiesta Museum. There will be plenty of parking and let anyone know if you need special assistance because we are all there to help each other. Just follow everyone to the tents! Pastor Jarrett Petero from Calvary Church will officiate the Christian part of our farewell, followed by eulogies, music by Skip Bachelor and Chris Jacob, and stories that could only have been instigated by the “Moon Man” himself. We encourage all you musicians to bring a song, a voice, any instruments are welcome. Stevie wouldn’t have it any other way. Wear comfortable shorts, t-shirts, tye dye for my silly "Dead Head." Refreshments and food will be provided and we encourage you to bring a blanket. We will move chairs so that we eat in the shade and talk of the zany life that was Steve's. Please, no flowers. Donations should be directed to any local organization that assists the blind or visually impaired. Envelopes will be provided at the service. They were his passion. It broke his heart that there were those who couldn’t see the beautiful surroundings we are blessed with on this earth. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com.
Strong-Thorne Life Events Center
1100 Coal Ave SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
505-842-8800
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Steven Gerecke, please visit our flower store.