Stephen Lee Guerke's Obituary
Stephen (Steve) Guerke of Bethany Beach DE passed away after an illness at age 66 on Tuesday, August 16, 2016. His wife Annette, the love of his life, was there by his side.
Steve was born on June 26, 1950 in Wilmington, DE. From a very young age, he was a voracious reader with an insatiable appetite for historical knowledge. While in high school, Steve was an active member of the American Civil War Club. He went on to earn his advanced degree in history at the University of Delaware. Steve also taught US history and US government at the middle school, high school, and college levels. In 1981, Steve began working as a Computer Information Technology Specialist for the University of Delaware where he remained until his retirement in 2016.
During his spare time, Steve researched the Guerke family lineage and often shared stories of the ancestral history with family members and friends. Steve could often be found discussing current events, politics, and sharing a light hearted laugh or two with a group of friends he warmly referred to as “the gang”. He also appreciated leisurely strolls with family and friends on Bethany Beach which would consistently be followed by an ice cream treat. Some of Steve’s other interests and activities included Kayaking, Jet Skiing, Swimming, and reading every book in the Genre of Alternative History that he could find.
He is pre-deceased by his father, Richard L. Guerke, his mother Anne (Tarburton) Guerke, and his son Daniel S. Guerke.
Steve leaves his loving wife Annette Rawding Guerke of Bethany Beach; his son Matt Guerke of Newark; his brother Eric Guerke of Massachusetts; his sister Leslie Clouser of Wilmington; his father and mother- in-law George and Denise Rawding of Pennsylvania; his step daughter Tereasa Rose, her partner Chad Harrison, and granddaughter Kyleen Harrison of Ellendale; his step son Keith Rose and future daughter-in-law Abigail Meadows of Delmar. Steve will also be missed by additional extended family members including; 3 brothers-in-law, 3 sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Services will be held at Prince George's Chapel in Dagsboro, DE on Saturday, August 27, 2016 from 1:00-2:00 p.m., followed by a celebration of his life to be held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Millville DE. All arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Clarksville Chapel, Ocean View, DE.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Breast Cancer Society.
Please sign the online guestbook.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS BY 9AM, SATURDAY, AUGUST 27, 2016 TO PARSELL FUNERAL HOMES/CLARKSVILLE CHAPEL, OCEAN VIEW, DE.
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