Iola Mae Gierke, age 87, of Miles City passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024, in Miles City surrounded by family.
Iola was born on January 5, 1937, in Miles City, Montana, the daughter of John Perry and Florence Lucille (Murray) Hanson. She attended grade school at East Fork at Otter Creek and graduated from High School at CCDHS. After graduation, she attended Eastern Montana College and earned an associate’s degree in business. Iola stayed in Billings and worked for Sohio Oil Company until 1957. Shortly after George was discharged from the service, he and Iola were married on February 1, 1958, at the Presbyterian Church in Miles City. Following their marriage, Iola went to work for the VA as a personnel officer. From there she worked for their own business, Gierke Distributing, which they began in 1964. They bought the Frito-Lay Franchise and expanded from there, serving all of southeastern Montana.
Iola was a selfless person that always took care of others. She loved walking in the hills, flowers, music, and dancing. She and George won a dance contest where they had to do the waltz, jitterbug, and the two step showing how smooth they moved across the floor, even winning a prize bottle of champagne. She loved cooking, especially for her family, always having a hot meal for them and always having her famous chocolate chip cookies on hand. She and George enjoyed traveling with friends and family all over the country. Iola also loved watching her grandchildren participate in sports, and never missed any activities her children were in.
Iola is survived by her four children: Lance Gierke (Chris) and family, Jason (Colleen) Gierke and family, Allen Gierke (Brooke) and family and Tana Brown (Murray) and family; three sisters-in-law: Beverly Hill, Shirley Gierke, and Marion Hanson; thirteen grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband George in 2014, a brother Darrel Hanson, two sisters: Eileen Beckman and Grace Hines and great granddaughter Mackenzie Gierke.
In lieu of flowers, memorials be made in Iola’s name to Holy Rosary Palliative and Hospice Services, 2600 Wilson St., Miles City, 59301.
Services are pending at this time.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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De Nice Curry and Kim Feil says
Amber, Tana, AJ, and Jason,
We are very sorry for this loss in your life and the heartache you must have. But Iola is painfree and dancing with George again. Cherish your memories and they will put a smile on when you need it. Love and hugs to all.
De Nice Curry and Kim Feil
Carolyn Kimball says
Olie was the sweetest! She and George are dancing again.
My sincere condolences to the family.
Ron Hathaway says
To the Gierkes: so sorry for your loss. There will always be a place in my heart for Olie and George, rest in peace
Eileen Entzel says
She was the neatest lady. My thoughts and prayers are with family
Sue and Dennis Bakken says
Our deepest sympathies
Cathy and Gary Kalmback says
Allen, Brooke, and Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Terri Schmitz Fandrich says
She was such a beautiful and wonderful woman. I have so many great memories of your parents, over the many years we’ve know your family. My deepest sympathy to you all. Wrapping you all in love and prayers of strength for the coming days.
Clark & Pam Fletcher says
Lance, Jason, Alan and Tana
We have many memories of fun times with George and Iola! Makes our heartshappy to know they are together again. So sorry for your loss. Rest in Peace sweet Iola.
Pauline Hudson says
Theses Great Ladies are my Mothers 1st Cousins on my Grandmother’s side. My Grandmother is Evelyn Murray.
Pauline Hudson says
My Mother Harriett Adelia Borel mother always spoke with Iola. What a great 1st cousin my mother had
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
Faye Ellen says
To Iola’s Family, I loved Iola very much and never tired of hearing childhood stories from her and her siblings. One of my best memories with Iola is hiking in the beloved hills on East Fork. I cherish the times I got to spend with you ALL the last couple years. Our Murray and Hanson ancestors have left us a legacy of strength, courage and caring for others. May you RIP Iola; we shall meet again.
Sherry Uden says
My condolences on your loss. Iola was a special woman and enjoyed working for her and George.
Curtis and Kate Terrett says
Sorry for your loss.
Fern Carey Griggs says
Rest in peace, Iola
Hazel Stabler says
Iola was such a special lady. I roomed with her sister Grace in college. We became lifelong friends.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Linda Wolff says
Lance and Chris. So very sorry for your loss. Iola was a very sweet person.
Lloyd and Jan Sohl says
Our sympathy to the Gierke Family. Cherish all the memories of a sweet lady.
Lesli Trainer Mickolio says
So very sorry for the Loss of your MOM, Lance I will Pray for Comfort and Healing,
Lesli Trainer, Mickolio
1977 CCHS Classmate
andy pehl says
Allen and Brooke, very sorry for your loss. Hold fast to the sure and certain hope of the resurrection.
Andy and Nancy Pehl
Pauline says
Adelia’s Daughter Pauline Iola I remember you calling me and asking how my Mom was doing. She would always call you she would share many stories about her cousins YOU, EILEEN, AND FAYE ELLEN. She had lots of fun growing up with all of you. Thank You for being my Mom’s 1st Cousin. RIP
Tom & Wanda Ault says
Our sincerest condolences to the Gierke family. We have great memories of our times with George and Iola. Iola was a very classy lady.
Jim Russell says
Lance and family I’m really sorry for your loss
Jackie says
Yoou moms passing is the last of those siblings. A great loss for our family. Hugs and prayers to all our cousins.
Melody Haynes says
Sincere Sympathy to you all!