Herman Gerecke, of the firm of Pilger & Gerecke, lumber, is a native of Prussia; came with his parents to Dodge County, Wis. In 1854, there worked on a farm. December, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Sixteenth Wisconsin Infantry; was discharged on account of a wound received in battle April 6, 1862. The following year he came to Decatur, Neb.; again enlisted in Company C, Seventh Iowa Cavalry; was mustered out May 26, 1866. In 1869, he came to Norfolk; followed the mill-wright trade until1878, when he, with Mr. Pilger, established that business.