Robert Lee Gierke was born June 8, 1969 in Shakopee, Minnesota to William and Shirley (Ufkin) Gierke. Bob grew up in Sauk Centre with his grandfather, Bob Ufkin and later lived with the Lemoyne and Lois Bosl family. During high school, Bob worked for Osakis Silo Company and Jean Fiedler Farms. He was very proud of each of the silos he built and would always point them out to his family. Bob graduated from Sauk Centre High School in 1988 and went to work for Rose City Canopy and Red Emblom Construction. He was especially proud of the powerlines he helped construct in the Fargo area. Bob also attended Ridgewater College for Agriculture Studies.
Bob started farming full time in 1992. He started dating his high school sweetheart, Pam during high school in 1986. The two of them married on November 27, 1993 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. Together, Bob and Pam built their life in Westport, Minnesota with their family of five children, David, Abby, Katelyn, Ryan, & Robyn. Bob built his life around his family, working on the farm, and racing his beloved A-Mods. He also started Gierke Pro Pumping in 2002.
Bob started his passion for racing in 1992. He loved racing every weekend at his home tracks, Vikings Speedway in Alexandria and I-94 in Sauk Centre and Fergus Falls. He also enjoyed traveling to Daytona, Florida each winter to race and he had competed in many USMTS races all over the country. Bob's passion for racing inspired his daughter, Abby, and his son, Ryan, and making them become the fourth generation of racers.
Anybody that knew Bob would recognize him by his laugh, great personality, and strong work ethic. They also knew that on weekends he would be found at the races.
Robert was 2 when Walt Disney World opened in Florida
1977
Robert was 8 when Elvis Presley died
1989
Robert was 20 when "The Simpsons" debuted as a series
1991
Robert was 22 when the Soviet Union dissolved
1998
Robert was 29 when "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" was published in America
2005
Robert was 36 when the first video was posted to YouTube
2017
Passed away August 29, age 48
2025
8th Annual Bob Gierke Memorial Race Ryan won the Modified 8th Annual Bob Gierke Memorial Race! This was such a memorable moment for our family and we are sti...
8 whole years Daddio😇 Most days I don’t think it’s been that long but dang time flies! I still miss you as much as the day the lord called you home. I know you are watching down on us as I still get those little signs from you. I hope I am making you proud down here, the world is definitely a tougher place without you. Love and miss you soooo much!🧡 Heaven is lucky to have you!🧡
P.S. I put a medallion on his stone today so if you ever want to leave a message or memory feel free to do so!
