William "Bill" Gierke 64, of Indianapolis, passed away January 5, 2016. Bill was born February 26, 1951 to the late Robert Lee Gierke and Irene (Long) Gierke - Tucker. Bill obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from Purdue University. Bill spent his professional years as Global Packaging Manager with Eli Lilly and Company and retired in 2003. He was an avid outdoorsman, family man, and golfer. He loved spending time on the golf course and floating down the Tippecanoe River in a fishing boat.
He loved spending time coaching his daughters in softball and watching them learn to play golf. He and his wife enjoyed vacationing in Destin, FL. Bill will be remembered for his sense of humor and endless funny stories. He was loved by all and never met a stranger. Bill is survived by his loving wife of twenty years, Brenda; daughters, Heather (Terry) Derbyshire and Ashley (Matthew) Quoss; a sister, Sharon (Rick) Reeves; a grandson, Cayden Derbyshire; three step grandchildren, three step great-grandchildren, and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and step father, Warren Tucker. A Memorial Celebration of Life will be conducted Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. in Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 1977 South S.R. 135, Greenwood, IN 46143. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to the PURPLE HEART FOUNDATION. Please share an on-line memory or condolence of Bill at; forestlawncemetery-fh.com