Lynda M. Gerken

Lynda M. Gerken, a loving wife of over 60 years, proud mother to 3, grandmother to 4, and great grandmother to 5, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Hillview Health Care Center in La Crosse. She was born in La Crosse on June 14, 1944, to Clifford and Rose Marie (Norby) Ristow. Lynda was incredibly generous, loving, and forgiving. She enjoyed socializing and making friends came easily to her. She loved flowers, the ocean, and dressing to the nines and was a fantastic cook and baker. She loved fiercely and deeply and will be very missed by her family and friends.

Lynda is survived by her husband, Robert Gerken; daughters, Lana (Steven) Jones of Richland, WA and Susan (Aaron) Ross of Yakima, WA; son, Reid (Karen) Gerken of La Crosse, WI; grandsons, Drew (Hannah) Jones of Spokane, WA, Pierce Jones of Richland, WA, Chase (Brooke) Gerken, and Hunter Gerken of La Crosse, WI; great grandchildren, Hudson, Silas, Samuel, and Berniece Jones of Spokane, WA, and Lyla Gerken of La Crosse, WI; and brother, Richard Ristow of La Crosse, WI.

Lynda was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Michael and Thomas Ristow.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crosse. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to help cover the burial expenses.