Allan W. Gulke, age 59, of Merrill, passed away unexpectedly at his home, Thursday, February 2, 2012.

He was born August 7, 1952 in Merrill, the son of the late Walter Gulke and Marilyn (Rubom) Briest. He married the former Diane Meyer on July 23, 1983 in Merrill. She survives.
Allan was a 1970 graduate of Merrill Senior High School. He then worked as an apprentice plumber and later a journeyman plumber. He had been employed at Gulke Plumbing, M&G Plumbing and the Merrill Water Utility. Allan was currently the President of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Local 434. He served as an instructor for Local 434 and had attended the National Convention this past fall. Allan had been quite involved in the Boy Scouts serving as a Cub Master and also in Leadership Training. He was a member of the Merrill Ice Draggers and had helped with the Marching Jays when his children were involved. Allan enjoyed racing late model stock cars in the 1970’s and 1980’s. He was a big NASCAR fan.
He is survived by his 2 sons; Brad and Kyle of Merrill, his mother, Marilyn (Paul) Briest of Waukesha, 2 sisters; Joanne Drew of Merrill and Janice (Frank Yasunaga) Gulke of Indianapolis, IN and 2 brothers; Dennis of Merrill and Brian (Sharon) of Custer.
He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Gulke.
A memorial service will be held 7:00 PM, Thursday, February 9, 2012 at the Waid Funeral Home, Merrill. Pastor Missy Holdorf will officiate. Friends may call from 4:00 PM until the time of services Thursday at the funeral home. Burial of Allan’s cremated remains will take place in the Spring at St. Paul Cemetery in the town of Pine River.
The family requests memorials be made to the TB Scott Library in Merrill or to the charity of your choice.