Gordon J. “Ski” Wierschke, 76, Columbia City, passed away at 6:09 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015, at Parkview Whitley Hospital in Columbia City.

Mr. Wierschke was born on Sept. 16, 1939, in Polar, Wis., a son of John and Addie (Ledingham) Wierschke. He spent his formative years in Polar, Wis. Following high school he served his country in the United States Navy, he retired after 20 years of services While serving in the Navy he met Linda L. Bair, and the couple married on May 2, 1962, in Waukegon, Ill., and moved to Wolf Lake in 1976.

After his military service he was employed at Dial-X in Albion for 19 years, then at Kingston Health Care, Ligonier. Mr. Wierschke was a member of the Wolf Lake Veteran’s of Foreign Wars and the Churubusco American Legion Post 157. He enjoyed spending time at their second home in Manistee, Mich., reading, watching movies, and spending time with his family.

The surviving relatives include wife: Linda L. Wierschke, Columbia City; a son: Scott (Marsha) Wierschke, Cape Canaveral, Fla.; a daughter: Laura (Jeff) Gump, Churubusco; a granddaughter: Lauren Gump, Churubusco; two sisters: Patsy Gonzalez, Greeley, Colo.; and Cathi Brodbeck, Lorida, Fla. He was preceded in death by his parents: John and Addie (Ledingham) Wierschke; two brothers: John and Carl Wierschke; a sister: Armyllis Botcher.

Memorial services will be held at 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, at Sheets and Childs Funeral Home, with Pastor Rick Van Horn officiating. The family will receive friends from 2-4:45 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, at the Sheets and Childs Funeral Home. Military rites will follow the service at the funeral home

For those who wish, memorials may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project.