With deep sadness we announce the passing of Rhea Ann Gierke, age 91, of Grayling, MI. Rhea passed away at Crawford Continuing Care Center in Grayling on Monday, April 13, 2026.

Rhea was born on July 15, 1934 in Wolverine, MI to Herbert and Nina (Dyer) Dunham. Rhea moved to Grayling with her family from Eaton Rapids when she was 10 years old. She graduated as salutatorian of her Grayling High School Class of 1952. She worked as the treasurer of Grayling Free Methodist Church for approximately 65 years and was also a long standing member of the church during that time.She worked as a banker at the Grayling State Bank for the majority of her career.

Rhea loved to go fishing. She ice-fished with her husband Charlie, fished with the boys in Canada, and liked everything involved with the outdoors and camping. She also enjoyed traveling through many states such as Alaska, Hawaii, Texas and Missouri. She had a fun time bowling and golfing as well. 

Rhea would share the memory of living on a farm in Wolverine. They lived next to her grandma Elizabeth Fuller. She, her cousins and siblings would go to grandmas every day in the summer where she had a beautiful garden with long rows of flowers. All the kids got to go and pick their flower for the day, every day. It was the simpleness and beauty of life she enjoyed most. 

Rhea didn't have children of her own, but her nieces and nephews were loved as if they were her own.

Rhea is survived by her sister-in-law, Lu Dunham of Byron, MI; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Rhea is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charlie Gierke; nephew, Paul Dunham; and siblings, Bill Dunham, Buena Dunham, Bob Dunham, Dick Dunham, and Tom Dunham.

A funeral service will be held Monday, April 20, 2026, 11:00 am at Grayling Free Methodist Church where Rhea's family will begin greeting visitors at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Grayling, MI. A luncheon will then follow the burial at Grayling Free Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Rhea can be made to the Grayling Free Methodist Church.

Condolences can be shared at www.sorensonlockwood.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.