ERIKA P. GERKE (nee Pfaff), age 73, beloved wife of 52 years to Ralph J.; loving mother of David (Terri), Jill Reinhart (Mark), Cheryl Pikus (David) and Scott; grandmother of Jessica Murphy (Michael), Bradley (Rachel), Taylor, Keaton, Kathryn, Jenna, Eryn, John, Brian and Angeline; sister of Rita Williams (Mike); aunt of Eric and Nikki Williams. Mrs. Gerke was a proud graduate of The Ohio State University with a B.S.N. in Nursing and used these skills to nurture those around her. Both Erika and Ralph together owned Fairview Dry Cleaners and Erika was a successful businesswoman for many years. She was a partner in R&E Enterprises with her sister, Rita. Erika recently celebrated the wedding of her oldest grandaughter, Jessica, her children and grandchildren were truly the joy of her life. Passed away January 18, 2014. Funeral Mass Saturday, January 25, The Church of St. Clarence (30106 Lorain Rd.) at 11 A.M. where friends may call SATURDAY ONE HOUR PRIOR TO MASS. Erika had a soft heart towards children and because of that, the family wishes memorial contributions to Make-A-Wish Foundation, 1422 Euclid Ave., Ste. 239, Cleveland, OH 44115 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.