William Lee Gierke, age 68, died on Thursday, February 26, 2015 at his home in Villard, MN.  A Memorial Mass will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 7 at St. Bartholomew's Catholic Church in Villard, MN. William Lee Gierke was born August 9, 1946 in St. Peter, Minnesota to Lee and Gervaise (Keogh) Gierke.  He grew up in the Gierke Family house located on Fourth and Skaro Street in St. Peter.    After graduating from high school he served in the U.S. Navy.  He was married to Shirley Ufkin of St. Peter from 1966-1972. He then moved to California where he worked as a Physical Plant Supervisor for the Los Angeles school district from 1973-2003.  On February 21, 1987 he married Carlotta (Boyer).  They made their home in Long Beach, California.  After retirement in 2003, Bill & Carlotta moved to Villard, MN to be closer to his grandchildren.  From 2003-2009 he was also employed by Gierke Pro Pumping.  Bill raced stock car in his early years. While in California he took up golfing and playing horseshoes. He was an avid NASCAR fan and he also enjoyed traveling with the #26 Gierke racing team to tracks in Florida, Minnesota and Wisconsin to watch the dirt modified racing. He is survived by his wife, Carlotta. His children and grandchildren, Kelly & Todd Evans (Luke, Karley & Ashley) of Sauk Centre, MN, Bob & Pam Gierke (David, Abby, Katelyn, Ryan & Robyn) of Westport, MN and Jon & Keri Gierke (Shawn & Darrin) of Tishomingo, OK; stepchildren and their children, Teresa & Craig (Jasmine & Craig Jr.), Rob & Janna (Valerie, Amanda, Jolie & Dylan) & Eddie, all of California; and his sister, Miriam (Mermie) of Homosassa, Florida and nieces, nephews and many cousins. William was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Gervaise Gierke and brother-in-law, Robert Springer; and his dog, CoCo. The family would like to say a special "Thank You" to the Villard Fire Department and EMT's  for the many times they responded to Bill when he was in need.