Gareth “Gary” Florke, 75, of Malad, passed away Thursday, June 28, 2001, of injuries from a vehicle accident.

He was born July 26, 1925, at Moville, Iowa, to Clifford and Geneva Robinson Florke. He was raised and educated in Sioux City schools. During World War II he was an infantryman in five campaigns in the Pacific, including Philippines, Okinawa and Leshima where he was wounded in action receiving the Purple Heart. Gary was a member of The American Legion and a life member of the National Riflemans Association.

He married Carol Reed, November 21, 1951. She passed away November 19, 1983. He married Berniece Smith Hansen, June 30, 1984, in North Lake Tahoe, Nevada. During his adult life, he lived in Oregon, Glendale, California, Idaho Falls and Sioux City, Iowa. He moved to Malad in February 1983.
Gary had many occupations and developed a love for antique firearms, antiques and collectibles. He was a skilled furniture refinisher. He loved to read, old movies and traveling.

Surviving are his wife, Berniece; stepchildren: Sherman and Deanna Hansen, Pocatello; Gary and Genene Hansen, Terry and Kathy Hansen, Idaho Falls; and Gayle and Jon Henderson, Brigham City, Utah; his stepfather, Roy Schennell, Sioux City, Iowa; uncle, John Robinson, Kingsley, Iowa; and special nephews and nieces, Kelly Florke, Gene Florke, Colleen Rose and Pam Cobb, all of Sioux City, Iowa.

Preceding him in death were his parents; first wife; brother, Howard; and sister-in-law, Marge.

Graveside services were conducted on Monday, July 2, 2001, at the St. John Cemetery at Noon. Military services were conducted by the Malad American Legion Post 65. Services were under the direction of the Horsley Funeral Home in Malad.