Share: 

Stephen ‘Steve’ Guerke, teacher, IT specialist

August 22, 2016

Stephen (Steve) Guerke, 66, of Bethany Beach passed away after an illness Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016. His wife Annette, the love of his life, was there by his side.

Steve was born June 26, 1950, in Wilmington. 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 U.S. history and U.S. 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 predeceased 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 stepdaughter Tereasa Rose, her partner Chad Harrison, and granddaughter Kyleen Harrison of Ellendale; and his stepson Keith Rose and future daughter-in-law Abigail Meadows of Delmar. Steve will also be missed by additional extended family members including three brothers-in-law; three sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Services will be held at Prince George's Chapel in Dagsboro, Saturday, Aug. 27, from 1 to 2 p.m., followed by a celebration of his life to be held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Millville. All arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Clarksville Chapel, Ocean View.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Breast Cancer Society.

Please visit Stephen's Life Memorial Tribute page and sign the online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.

 

Subscribe to the CapeGazette.com Daily Newsletter