Lee William Gehrke

A Life of Adventure Love and Freedom

On Oct. 5, 2026, Lee sailed away to the life beyond. We imagine him now skiing the deep powder and surfing the beautiful waves in heaven, doing the things he loved most. Lee lived a life that took him from the farms of Minnesota to the mountains of Montana, Oregon and Idaho, and the beautiful shores of Maui.

Lee was born to Wally and Marjorie Gehrke in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. He spent his early years on a farm in Morgan, Minnesota, until our family moved to Bozeman, Montana. Those years brought skiing at Bridger Bowl and the beginning of a lifelong love for the mountains. Later in Kingman, Arizona, Lee became an outstanding high school basketball player for the Kingman Bulldogs.

In his early 20s, Lee found his way to Ketchum, Idaho, a place that would always hold a special place in his heart. He met Tina Toner and together they had a beautiful daughter, Coral Lee Gehrke. Lee loved his family. Skiing, bicycle racing and construction were all parts of his life.

Life then took Lee to Maui, Hawaii, where he became certified in martial arts. He worked for the Maui Community Correctional Center teaching Tai Chi to inmates and helping them pursue further education. Even in difficult circumstances, Lee found ways to encourage others and offer a helping hand.

On Maui, he met Celia Lavilla and together they raised their wonderful daughter, Becky. Maui became Lee’s home for more than 40 years. He surfed, windsurfed, biked, embraced the island’s beauty, and lived the life he loved.

He was part of a special Maui ‘ohana—Celia, Becky and Mike Sparling—who were such an important part of his life. Then came Haydyn Lee-Ann and Rylee William Sparling, who loved him as their Pappa. They added another incredibly beautiful chapter to his life and his ‘ohana.

Yet Ketchum never lost its hold on Lee. Many winters, he returned to ski Baldy and spend time with his buddies. Some of those friendships spanned 50 years. Those friends were a treasured part of his life with lots of laughter and shared adventures.

Lee met Nicola Sweitkowiak on Maui and they were married in 2020. The two of them shared a love of life and connection.

A year ago, Lee returned to Ketchum with Nicola while he was facing major health challenges. Support of Nicola, family and friends and being in the mountains he loved helped him through that difficult year.

Lee is survived by his wife, Nicola; daughter, Coral; beloved Maui ‘ohana Celia, Becky, Mike, Haydyn and Rylee Sparling; his sister, Beth, and her family Doug, Tyler and Karlee Stagg; also, brothers and their wives: Todd and Jackie, Scott and Jackie; his Aunt Winnie, Uncle Chuck; and cousins.

May Lee’s free spirit live on in our hearts. He was strong, he was lovable and he was inspirational. He followed his own path and found joy in the places and people he loved. “Spread da Aloha.”