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Children of
Ewald and Anna (Schumacher) Gerken
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Louise (Gerken) Coakley Donald Gerken Teresa (Gerken) McCoy Adrian Gerken Joan (Gerken) Larson Dolores Gerken |
Ewald Gerken, Jr. Mary (Gerken) Temple William Gerken Daniel Gerken Loras Gerken |
Wilfred and Louise (Gerken) Coakley
Louise Mary Gerken was born on June 9, 1920, to Ewald and Anna (Schumacher) Gerken at Dubuque, Iowa. She graduated from the Immaculate Conception Academy at Dubuque. Louise worked as a seamstress at the H.B. Glover Company.
Louise Gerken Weds Sgt. Coakley at Holy Ghost.
Miss Louise M. Gerken, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ewald Gerken, 2820 Burlington Street, and Sergeant Wilfred F. Coakley, son of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Coakley, 686 8th Avenue, were married Monday morning, April 17, 1944, at 8 o'clock, at the Holy Ghost Church. The Rev. Clarence Raker read the nuptial Mass.
The bride who was given in marriage by her father, wore white brocaded satin with a full skirt and short train, the bodice had a sweetheart neckline, and the long sleeves terminated in points over her wrists. Her veil, of illusion, was of fingertip length and fastened to a crown of orange blossoms. She wore a string of pearls, a gift of the bridegroom, and carried a silver rosary, also a gift of the bridegroom. Her bouquet was of talisman roses.
The bridesmaid, Miss Dolores Gerken, sister of the bride, was gowned in blue moire taffeta. Her shoulder-length blue veil fell from a wreath of pink rosebuds, and she carried a bouquet of pink carnations. As his best man, the bridegroom chose his cousin, Walter Anglin, and Christopher Kennedy, a cousin of the bridegroom, served as usher.
For her daughter's wedding, Mrs. Gerken chose a powder blue suit with navy blue accessories. Mrs. Coakley, the bridegroom's mother, wore a powder blue dress with black accessories. Both had shoulder corsages of pink carnations.
Music during the ceremony was furnished by Prosfessor J.A. Kelzer, organist, and the children's choir.
After the ceremony, a wedding breakfast was held for the bridal party and immediate families at the home of the bride's parents, and later in the afternoon, a reception was held for approximately 100 guests. The decorations that were used at the reception were those that were used at the wedding reception of Mr. and Mrs. Ewald Gerken 25 years previous.
For her traveling costume, Mrs. Coakley wore a Chesterfield topcoat over her black and white checked wool suit. With this she wore black and white accessories. The couple will live in Joplin, Missouri, as Sgt. Coakley is stationed at Camp Crowder, Missouri.
Out of town guests at the wedding were Mrs. Mary Jane Coakley and family, Maquoketa, Ia.; Mrs. Della Rowan and family, Andrew, Ia.; and Mr. and Mrs. David Slattery, Zwingle, Ia.
Wilfred F. Coakley was born on November 13, 1919, to John and Frances (Slattery) Coakley, near Otter Creek, Iowa. Wilfred served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and a Dubuque newspaper featured an article about his service when he returned home on leave:
TWO YEARS IN INDIA.
Sgt. W. Coakley Home on Leave.
Sergeant Wilfred F. Coakley, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Coakley, 686 Eighth Avenue, now home on furlough, was one of the first American soldiers stationed in the Bengal province in India, having arrived there early in the spring of 1942.
Because American fighting men were a novelty to natives of India, they were looked upon with more than usual curiosity; natives had heard about the "Yanks" but they wanted to learn more from first-hand information.
The Americans, too, had much to learn about Indians. One of the first lessons was not to give money to the many beggars who accosted them on the streets of cities and towns. Frequently as many as 35 would stop an American within the short space of a block to plead for a pittance, Sgt. Coakley said, and were one able to check back on the financial status of some of them, he would find some had more money than the Americans from whom they begged.Traveled Over Country.
Wages for which the poor classes in India work are unbelievably low, said the Dubuquer. A skilled worker, such as a crane operator, in peacetime would make about a dollar a week. High wage for a household servant now is $10 monthly; a street sweeper, or a man who does nothing but clean the inside of buildings, is paid the paltry sum of $6 each month. How these people manage to support their families on the low pay is something Sgt. Coakley confessed he was unable to understand. Large families are the rule, rather than the excepton, he added.
As one of the Americans who helped set up our bases throughout India, Sgt. Coakley had the opportunity to travel very extensively throughout the country. He has been in the Northern provinces as well as East, West, and South, and has seen all classes of people inhabiting the divisions, each having, basically, the Hindustani language with province variations. Weather in the land varied too; some palces where the sergeant traveled it reached 135 degrees, although where his permanent base was located, it usually averaged from 110-120 degrees during the daytime summer months, and 80-95 degrees on winter days. The men wore summer uniforms all year round, however.Here Until March 24.
Sgt. Coakley reports at Fort Sheridan, Ill., for further Signal Corps assignment on March 24. One person is missing from the family reunion now taking place at the Coakley residence, and he is brother Sgt. Harold Coakley, also serving with the Army Signasl Corps, but "Somewhere in England."
It seems like a dream this being home, the Dubuquer said. "I can't even put the feeling into words," he stated. "Bauta chau," is how he would say "very good" in Hindustani, but that is a gross understatement on how really good he avers it is to be with loved ones and friends again.
Born to Wilfred and Louise (Gerken) Coakley were Janet Coakley, Patricia Coakley, Robert "Bob" Coakley, Mary K. Coakley, Margaret Coakley, and Ann Coakley.
Wilfred and Louise built their home adjacent to Ewald and Anna Gerken's house in Dubuque. Wilfred Coakley graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and Loras College, Dubuque. Wilfred worked for the U.S. Postal Service and also owned his own bookkeeping and tax service business. He was a member and financial secretary of the Catholic Order of Foresters Court 636 of Holy Ghost Church, member of the American Legion Post 6 of Dubuque and Alcoholics Anonymous, and a former member of the Dubuque Elks Lodge. Wilfred enjoyed playing cards, especially euchre, and was a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs. Louise was a member of the Rosary Society, Christian Family Movement, Ladies Guild, Third Order of St. Francis, and St. Agatha Court of the Catholic Order of Foresters. She served as president, vice president, and treasurer of the National Federation of Post Office Clerks Auxiliary. Louise was also a member of Sigma Delta Iowa sorority and the Immaculate Conception Academy alumnae.
Cancer Takes Mother of 6.
Mrs. Coakley Rites Are Set.
Mrs. Wilfred F. (Louise) Coakley, 38, of 335 Sabula, Dubuque, Iowa, died of cancer at 10:30 p.m., Sunday, March 29, 1959, at Xavier Hospital. She was the mother of six. Friends called after 7 p.m., Monday, March 30, at Behr's, where the Rosary was said at 7 p.m., Monday, by the Third Order of St. Francis, and at 8 p.m., Tuesday, March 31, by the Rosary Society, Foresters, Ladies Guild, and Christian Family Movement. Funeral services were held at 9 a.m., Wednesday, April 1, at Holy Ghost Church, the Rt. Rev. Msgr. Leo A. Jaeger officiating. Burial was in Mount Olivet Cemetery at Key West, Iowa.
Mrs. Coakley was survived by her husband; five daughters, Janet, Patricia, Mary Catherine, Margaret, and Ann, at home; a son, Robert, at home; her mother, Mrs. Anna Gerken, of Dubuque; four sisters, Mrs. Donald (Teresa) McCoy and Mrs. Vernon (Joan) Larson, both of Dubuque, Sister Mary Dolores Ann, OLVN, of Brighton, Colo., and Mrs. John (Mary) Temple, of Costa Mesa, Calif; and six brothers, Donald, Adrian, Daniel, and Loras Gerken, all of Dubuque, William, of Costa Mesa, Calif.; and Brother Ewald Gerken, Don Bosco Monastery, of Huttonsville, W. Va.
Wilfred subsequently married Evelyn "Evie" (Henschel) Hanlon on June 2, 1973, at Nativity BVM Catholic Church at Menominee, Illinois. Two of her children, George and Dan, from her first marriage lived with them at their home on Sabula Street in Dubuque.
Wilfred Coakley dies.
Wilfred F. Coakley, 73, of Dubuque, Iowa, died of cancer at 4 a.m., Friday, February 26, 1993, at home. Friends called from noon to 8 p.m., Sunday, February 28, at Behr Funeral Home, Dubuque, where the parish wake service was held at 4 p.m. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Monday, March 1, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, with the Rev. Fred Fangmann officiating. Burial was in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West, Iowa.
Mr. Coakley was survived by his wife Evelyn; five daughters, Mrs. Edward (Janet) Allen, Mary K. Coakley, Mrs. Guy (Marge) Lawrence, and Ann L. Coakley, all of Dubuque, and Patricia (and Bill) King, of San Diego; a son, Robert J. (and Marilyn) Coakley, of Dubuque; a stepdaughter, Mrs. Larry (Maria) Fauchier, of Cedar Rapids; five stepsons, Michael J. and George M. Hanlon, both of Tampa, Fla., William E. Hanlon, of Cedar Rapids, Ia., John G. (and Mary) Hanlon of Sarasota, Fla., and Daniel E. (and Katherine) Hanlon, of Dubuque; 10 grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; and one step-great-grandson; his father-in-law, William E. Henschel, of Dubuque; a sister, Mrs Sam (Marie) Schroeder, of Dubuque; and a brother, Harold (and Mary) Coakley, of Bules Creek, N.C. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Louise, and also a granddaughter, Kristina Louise Donath, on April 26, 1988.
Wilfred's widow Evie later retired to Florida.
- Mary Catherine Coakley was born on January 29, 1953, in Dubuque, Iowa, the fourth of six children born to Wilfred F. and Louise M. (Gerken) Coakley. Mary K. Coakley was a member of St. Patrick's Parish and the Catholic Order of Foresters. Mary was employed in customer service at APAC Customer Services. She enjoyed playing cards and games on the Internet. She also crocheted blankets for her family and friends. She especially loved her children and grandchildren.
Mary K. Coakley, 51, of Dubuque, Iowa, died at 11 p.m., Sunday, September 19, 2004, at The Finley Hospital in Dubuque, following a courageous battle with cancer. Family and friends called from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, September 22, at Behr Funeral Home in Dubuque, where there was a parish wake service at 4 p.m. Funeral services were at 1 p.m., Thursday, September 23, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Dubuque with the Rev. Ardel H. Barta officiating, followed by cremation.
Giftbearers at the funeral service were Mary's children, Amber Coakley and Shelby Flynn. Readers were her niece Melissa Coakley and cousin Norman Larson. Songs included "On Eagle's Wings" and "How Great Thou Art." The casketbearers were her nephews, William Coakley and Nathan Lawrence, her cousins, Kenneth Gerken, Norman Larson, Phillip Larson, Tom Larson, and her cousin-in-law, Andy Piper. A funeral dinner was held in the church hall after the service, followed by a gathering at the home of Andy and Chris Piper.
She was survived by two daughters, Amber L. (Travis Pike) Coakley and Shelby L. Flynn, both of Dubuque, Ia.; two grandchildren, Catherine and Taylor Pike; her longtime companion, Gerald "Louie" Flynn, of Dubuque, Ia.; her stepmother, Evelyn Coakley, of Sarasota, Fla.; four sisters, Janet M. (Edward) Allen, of St. Petersburg, Fla., Patricia A. Coakley, of San Diego, Calif., and Margaret F. Lawrence and Ann L. Coakley, both of Dubuque, Ia.; a brother, Robert J. (Marilyn) Coakley, of Dubuque, Ia.; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Christine, on April 26, 1988, and a brother-in-law, Guy G. Lawrence. - Margaret F. Coakley was born on January 12, 1955, in Dubuque, Iowa, the fifth of sixth children born to Wilfred and Louise (Gerken) Coakley. Margaret Coakley married Guy G. Lawrence on October 21, 1977, in Dubuque, Iowa. Guy Lawrence was born on November 13, 1937, in North Holland, North Carolina, son of Harley and Emily (O'Neil) Lawrence. Guy and Marge Lawrence lived in Dubuque, Iowa, where they were members of St. Patrick's Catholic Church.
Marge was a member of a local Euchre Club. She also was an active member of Mystic Island Internet Community. The love and support she received from these friends have provided joy and happiness to her in her last years. Marge enjoyed her work at Wal-Mart, specifically her career as an optician. She also attended tax school and took over her father's tax and bookkeeping clients following his death. For 20 years, Marge had a motor route for the Telegraph Herald.
Guy formerly worked as a maintenance manager at St. Patrick's School in Dubuque, Iowa, for eight years. He was also a motor route carrier for the Telegraph Herald for eleven years. Guy served in the U.S. Army for four years. He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Legion of Mary. He was an active member of The Power of Prayer. He enjoyed all outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, and panning for gold. He was an amateur "movie critic" and also liked to read. Guy was a loving father to many and a friend to all who knew him.Guy G. Lawrence, 60, of Dubuque, Iowa, and formerly of Cassville, Wisconsin, died at 8:42 a.m., Saturday, January 24, 1998, at Mercy Health Center, St. Joseph's Unit, in Dubuque. Family and friends called from 2 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, January 27, at Behr Funeral Home in Dubuque, where there was The Power of Prayer rosary said at 6 p.m. and the parish wake service at 7 p.m. Funeral services were at 10 a.m., Wednesday, January 28, at St. Patrcik's Catholic Church in Dubuque. Entombment was in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West, Iowa, where miltary rites were accorded by the American Legion Post 6 of Dubuque.
He was survived by his wife, Margaret F. "Marge" Lawrence; two daughters, Jennifer R. (Tim) Renfro, of Dubuque, Ia., and Tiffany J. Lawrence, at home; three sons, Stephen H.M. Lawrence and Carl P. Lawrence, both of Dubuque, Ia., and Nathan A. Lawrence, at home; two granddaughters, Alexandria and Sarah Renfro; and five brothers, Robert (Aurora) Lawrence, of Albuquerque, N. Mex., James (Marilyn) Lawrence, of La Crosse, Wis., Jerome (Joann) Lawrence, of Omaha, Nebr., Ray "Chico" (Gretchen) Lawrence of Cassville, Wis., and John (Penny) Lawrence, of Allen, Texas. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Amy Lawrence, and a brother, Bruce Lawrence.Margaret F. "Marge" (Coakley) Lawrence, 50, of Dubuque, Iowa, died at 8:53 p.m. Monday, May 30, 2005, at home, following a courageous battle with cancer. Family and friends called from 3 to 7 p.m., Friday, June 3, at Behr Funeral Home in Dubuque, where there was a parish wake service at 3 p.m. Funeral services were at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 4, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Dubuque, with the Rev. Eugene Kutsch and Deacon Tim LoBianco, Sr., officiating. Entombment was in the St. Joseph's Chapel Mausoleum at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West, Iowa, where Deacon Tim led the prayers.
Readers at the funeral mass were Marge's cousins Norm Larson and Chris Piper, and Chris's daughter Jackie Piper served as acolytes. Gift bearers were Marge's children, Tiffany, Nathan, and Jenny Lawrence. Pallbearers were Norm, Phil, and Tom Larson, Andy Piper, and Ken Gerken, all cousins of Marge, and Paul Newman, friend of the family. A funeral dinner was held in the church hall after the services at the mausoleum.
Mrs. Lawrence was survived by two daughters, Jennifer R. (Doug) Lawrence, of Indianapolis, Ind., and Tiffany J. Lawrence, of Dubuque, Ia.; three sons, Steven H. Lawrence, of Minneapolis, Minn., Carl P. Lawrence, of Reno, Nev., and Nathan A. Lawrence, of Dubuque, Ia.; three grandchildren; three sisters, Janet M. (Edward) Allen, of St. Petersburg, Fla., Patricia A. Coakley, of San Diego, Calif., and Ann L. Coakley, of Dubuque, Ia.; a brother, Robert J. (Marilyn) Coakley, of Dubuque, Ia.; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Guy; and a sister, Mary Catherine Coakley.
In her final days, Marge had told her sister Janet that she had looked forward to seeing her husband Guy again and finally getting to know her mom. - Ann Louise Coakley was born on August 2, 1957, in Dubuque, Iowa, the last of six children born to Wilfred and Louise (Gerken) Coakley. Ann Coakley graduated from Northeast Iowa Community College, with a human service degree. She worked as a sales clerk at Wal-Mart for more than five years.
Ann enjoyed crocheting, reading mystery novels, and visiting and socializing locally and online. She loved her grandchildren and the time spent with them. She was a die-hard Minnesota Vikings and St. Louis Cardinals fan.Ann L. Coakley, 51, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully at 2:05 p.m., Monday, February 23, 2009, at the home of her daughter, Melissa Coakley, following a valiant battle with cancer. Family and friends called from 3 to 7 p.m., Friday, February 27, at Behr Funeral Home in Dubuque, where there was a parish wake service at 6:30 p.m.
Memorial services were at 10 a.m., Saturday, February 28, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque, with the Rev. Bob Gross officiating. Norm Larson and Chris Piper, cousins of the deceased, read the First and Second Readings. Tom Larson, another cousin, read the Prayer of the Faithful, with intercessions for Ann, and also for those who preceded her in death, her parents, Wilfred and Louise Coakley; her sister, Mary Kay Coakley; and her sister and brother-in-law, Marge and Guy Lawrence, that they all may enjoy eternal happiness with God. Altar servers were her cousin's daughters, Jackie Piper and Carrie Piper.
Presentation of the Gifts was by her nephew, Jake Hoftender, and her niece, Shelby Flynn. Honorary pallbearers were Jacob Hoftender, Nathan Lawrence, Paul Newman, Matthew Roth, Ricky Prescott, and Louie Flynn. Hymns included "Amazing Grace," "You Are Mine," "Here I Am, Lord," "Prayer of St. Francis, and "On Eagle's Wings."
Burial of the cremains was in Mount Olivet Cemetery at Key West, Iowa. A luncheon followed at The Morracco Supper Club.
Ann was survived by two daughters, Melissa S. Coakley, of Dubuque, Ia., and Jamie L. (Ricky) Prescott, of Cedar Rapids, Ia.; two grandchildren, Jacob and Matthew; two sisters, Janet (Edward) Allen, of Dallas, Ga., and Patricia Coakley, of San Diego, Calif.; a brother, Robert (Marilyn) Coakley, of Dubuque, Ia.; and nieces and nephews, Jason and Tim, Michelle, Bill and Cindy, Amber and Shelby, and Nate and Tiffany. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Mary Kay Coakley and Marge (Guy) Lawrence; and a niece, Kristina Louise.
Donald and Anna (O'Barto) Gerken
Donald Henry Gerken was born on May 6, 1921, to Ewald and Anna (Schumacher) Gerken at Dubuque, Iowa. Don served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He married Anna Elizabeth O'Barto on April 22, 1946, at Santa Ana, California. Ann O'Barto was born on September 24, 1921, at Latrobe, Pennsylvania, daughter of Peter and Anna (Stanko) O'Barto. Don and Ann Gerken lived at Dubuque, Iowa, where they were members of St. Anthony's Catholic Church. They had two children, Donald "Sonny" Gerken and Debra Gerken. Don had been employed by Torbert Drug Company prior to his retirement in 1972. He was a member of Dubuque Disabled Veterans and also the Catholic Order of Foresters, Holy Ghost Court, and he was the emcee for the court's children's Christmas party for many years.
Donald Gerken dies.
Donald H. Gerken, 61, of Dubuque, Iowa, died at 5:45 a.m., Wednesday, April 27, 1983, at his home. Friends called on Friday, April 29, at the Gene Siegert and Son Westview Funeral Home, Dubuque, where the rosary was said at 7 p.m. Services were held at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 30, at St. Anthony's Church, Dubuque, and burial was in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Dubuque, where military honors were accorded by Dubuque American Legion Post No. 6.
Mr. Gerken was survived by his wife, the former Anna O'Barto, a daughter, Mrs. Robert (Debra Marie) Waldrip, of Arlington, Texas; a son, Donald E. Gerken, of Nashville, Tennessee; six grandchildren; four sisters, Mrs. Donald (Teresa) McCoy, of Champaign, Ill., Mrs. Vernon (Joan) Larson, of Dubuque, Ia., Mrs. Kenneth (Dolores) Colby, of Burlington Farms, Va., and Mrs. John (Mary) Temple, of Tulsa, Okla.; and five brothers, Adrian Gerken, of Naperville, Ill., Ewald Gerken, of Cascade, Ia., William Gerken, of Costa Mesa, Calif., Daniel Gerken, of Waterloo, Ia., and Loras Gerken, of Dubuque, Ia.
Don's widow Ann retired to Pennsylvania and later to Arlington, Texas.
Ann Gerken dies.
Anna Gerken, 89, of Arlington, Texas, formerly of Dubuque, Iowa, died Sunday, October 3, 2010, in Arlington. Graveside services were at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, October 9, in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque with the Rev. Steve Rosonke officiating. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home in Dubuque was in charge of arrangements locally.
Those in attendance at the graveside service for Ann Gerken included her daughter Debi Waldrip and granddaughter Amy Jones, of Arlington, Texas; and from the Dubuque area, Ewald Gerken, of Cascade, Ia., and his daughter, Gabriella; Bill and Donna Gerken, of Farley, Ia.; and Janet Allen, Patricia Coakley, Sue Reiter, Phil Larson, Tom Larson, Chris and Andy Piper, Carol and Corky Vance, and Ken and Terri Gerken, all of Dubuque. Serving as pallbearers the cemetery were Sue Reiter, Phil Larson, Tom Larson, Andy Piper, Corky Vance, and Ken Gerken.
After the service, those in attendance gathered at the Dubuque Driving Range at the invitation of proprietor Phil Larson, a nephew of Ann Gerken.
Mrs. Gerken was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Gerken, of Dubuque, Ia. She will be remembered by her family and her loving extended family at the long-term care facility where she lived the past three years.
- Sharon Ann Saylor was born on August 7, 1943, daughter of Earl and Grace Saylor. Sharon grew up in a small Iowa town, and after graduation from high school, Sharon moved to Sioux City, Iowa, to complete her degree in Nursing. She then moved to Iowa City, Iowa, by the way of Arizona, where she met the man who would become her husband, Donald Gerken, Jr., at the University of Iowa Hospitals.
After their marriage, Sharon and Don went into the ministry, serving several churches in Iowa and Wisconsin. After a full-time traveling evangelistic ministry, Sharon and Don moved to the Central American country of Nicaragua to begin a missionary ministry. As a nurse Sharon supervised the clinics that were established for the poor. She went to India to work with the leprosy foundation through Volunteers in Medical Missions. She and Don also founded the Centers of Hope Mission International as a continuing ministry to the poor of Central America.
When Sharon returned to the states she served in many nursing positions before becoming a hospice nurse. She continued working even while being treated for cancer. She served many people at the end of their life with good nursing as well as spiritual help. She accounted for all of her experiences in a book she authored entitled Don’t Look in the Pot, a journey of faith.Sharon Ann (Saylor) Gerken peacefully went to be with the Lord, on June 20, 2009. She had fought a brave battle with cancer. It may have claimed her body but could never claim her soul. She truly had victory over death. She had ministered to her family and many friends almost to the end. Sharon died peacefully and left us all with a sign of hope and encouragement. She died at Evergreen in patient hospice, where at they gave her wonderful care.
Sharon was survived by her husband of 43 years, the Rev. Dr. Don Gerken; two daughters and their husbands, Andrea and Michael Huntley, of Lynnwood, Wash., and Jill and Kurtis Albertson, of Bothell, Wash.; two sons and their wives, Andrew and Claudia Gerken, of Monroe, Wash., and Lt. Eric and Claudia Gerken of Richmond, Texas; four grandchildren, Charlie, Hudson, Summer, Jennifer; a brother and his wife Rolland and Deloris Saylor, of Idaho; and several nieces and nephews.
Donald and Teresa (Gerken) McCoy
Teresa Ann Gerken was born on August 20, 1922, to Ewald and Anna (Schumacher) Gerken at Dubuque, Iowa. Teresa graduated from the Immaculate Conception Academy. At the time of her marriage, Teresa was employed at Wilberding Cleaners.
Miss Teresa Gerken and Donald F. McCoy Marry at Holy Ghost.
Mr. and Mrs. Ewald F. Gerken, of 2820 Burlington Street in Dubuque, Ia., announce the marriage of their daughter Teresa to Donald F. McCoy, son of Mrs. Pauline McCoy, of Peru Road, Dubuque, which took place Tuesday, June 4, 1946, at the Holy Ghost Church in Dubuque. The Rt. Rev. Msgr. J.C. Wieneke read the ceremony, and nuptial music was provided by Carl Wilberding of Cuba City, Wis., vocalist, accopanied at the organ by John Kelzer.
Gowned in traditional white, the bride was attended by her sister, Miss Joan Gerken, as maid of honor, and Robert McCoy was his brother's best man. A breakfast was served to the immediate family at the home of the bride's parents, followed by a reception for 50 guests during the afternoon and evening.
The couple's first home was to be at 757 Wilson Avenue in Dubuque.
Don was born on January 11, 1922, to Frank and Pauline (Meyer) McCoy, at Dubuque, Iowa. He had graduated from St. Columbkille's High School in Dubuque. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and saw action in the Pacific Theatre on the island of Saipan.
Born to Don and Teresa McCoy were Michael McCoy, Dorothy McCoy, Richard McCoy, Susan McCoy, and Barbara McCoy. A daughter Donna died in 1952.
The McCoys lived at Dubuque, Iowa, until 1976 when they moved to Champaign, Illinois. Don worked at Caradco until his retirement in 1988. Teresa worked at Book Nook until retiring in 1975. They moved back to Dubuque in 1991. They were members of Nativity Parish in Dubuque and later Holy Ghost Parish, where Teresa was a former president of the Holy Ghost Nativity Guild. Don was a member of the Caradco Management Association and was active in Dubuque baseball, basketball, and bowling leagues for many years.
In 1986 Donald and Teresa McCoy, of Champaign, Ill., celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on June 14, with a mass at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque and a family dinner at the Dubuque Inn. There was also an open house on June 15 at Eagle Point Park. Their children are Michael of Chesapeake, Va.; Mrs. Ron (Dorothy) Kerin of Fullerton, Calif.; Richard of Rantoul, Ill.; Mrs. Kim (Susan) Reiter of Dubuque; and Barbara of Champaign. They have eight grandchildren.
Donald McCoy dies.
Donald F. McCoy, 71, of Dubuque, Iowa, died at 11:21 p.m., Saturday, January 16, 1993, at The Finley Hospital, Dubuque. Friends called from 4 to 9 p.m., Monday, January 18, at Gene Siegert & Son Westview Funeral Home, where the parish wake service was held at 7 p.m. Funeral services were held at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Dubuque, at 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 19, and burial was in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Dubuque.
Mr. McCoy was survived by his wife; three daughters, Mrs. Ronald (Dorothy) Kerin, of Atlanta, Ga., Mrs. Kim (Susan) Reiter and Barbara McCoy, both of Dubuque; two sons, Michael W. (and Bobbi) McCoy, of Chesapeake, Va., and Richard G. (and Wanda) McCoy, of Rantoul, Illinois; and 10 grandchildren.
Teresa (Gerken) McCoy dies.
Teresa A. McCoy, 71, of Dubuque, Iowa, died at 9:40 a.m., Friday, September 3, 1993, at The Finley Hospital, Dubuque. Friends called from 2 to 9 p.m., Monday, September 6, at Gene Siegert & Son Westview Funeral Home, where the parish wake service was held at 7 p.m. Funeral services were held at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Dubuque, at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 7, and burial was in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Dubuque.
Mrs. McCoy was survived by three daughters, Dorothy Kerin, of Atlanta, Ga., Susan Reiter and Barbara McCoy, both of Dubuque; two sons, Michael W. McCoy, of Chesapeake, Va., and Richard G. McCoy, of Rantoul, Illinois; 10 grandchildren; three sisters, Joan Larson, of Dubuque, Dolores Colby, of Barboursville, Va., and Mary Temple, of Tulsa, Okla.; four brothers, Adrian J. Gerken, of Naperville, Ill., Ewald G. Gerken, of Cascade, Ia., Daniel Gerken, of Waterloo, Ia., and William F. Gerken, of Costa Mesa, Calif.
- Barbara Kathleen McCoy was born on August 5, 1958, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Donald and Teresa (Gerken) McCoy. Barb was a graduate of Nativity grade school and Dubuque Senior High School. After high school, she moved to Champaign, Illinois, and worked at the Carle Clinic. In 1991, Barb moved back to Dubuque and worked with the Fuerste Eye Clinic and a year later began working for Self Insured Services Company (SISCO) at Cottingham and Butler.
She also worked part-time as a bartender at the Dubuque Driving Range, where she enjoyed the camaraderie of her fellow co-workers and clientele. She enjoyed playing euchre, kings corners and megatouch. Barb also was a fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago Bears.Barbara K. McCoy, 48, of Berkeley Place in Dubuque, Iowa, died at 3:35 p.m., Sunday, March 25, 2007, at home. She had been suffering from pancreatic cancer that had spread to her liver. Her sister Dorothy Kerin and cousins Chris Piper and Tom Larson were at her side when she breathed her last.
Friends and friends called from 3 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, March 28, at Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home, 2659 Kennedy Road, where a prayer service was conducted at 7 p.m., conducted by Jackie Redmond. Dorothy Kerin, Rich McCoy, Tom Larson, Deb Larson, and Phil Larson also spoke at the service.
Dorothy read a letter sent by her sister-in-law Bobbie McCoy to Barb before she passed away, and she also expressed her appreciation to all shown had shown their love for Barb during her illness. Rich told Karen, Norm, Phil, and Tom to appreciate their sister Chris, who had done so much for Barb during the last months. And he also said his family had to appreciate their sister Dorothy, who had traveled from California to be there to care for her during the initial treatment of Barb's cancer last fall and then also during her final illness.
As Tom was heading toward the podium, her brother Rich said, "I knew Tom would say something," to which Tom replied, "I heard there was an open mike!" Tom, who had emceed Barb's benefit the Sunday before she died, first announced that they were still looking for pink ticket 065257. Then Tom recalled how when Cottingham & Butler were first considering hiring him, they had asked Barb whether she could handle working with a cousin, and he said they should have been asking him if he could handle working with her. And how Tom would hear her voice come over the cubicle wall, "Toooommmm," and he would answer "Baaarrrrbbbb?" Or else it seemed she would just be talking to no one in particular, and he would be forced to ask, "Are you talking to me??" Tom also compared Barb's benefit to It's a Wonderful Life, because like George Bailey, Barb was able to see how many lives she had touched, and how the people of Cottingham & Butler and the Driving Range and her family and friends were all there for her. Tom didn't think he had ever seen a grin on her face as big as it was that day.
Phil expressed how he had hired Barb to work as a bartender at the Dubuque Driving Range, and how sometimes if there was trouble with someone Barb would ask him if he wanted her to take care of him. Phil said he needed someone like Barb, who was a little bit tougher than he was. Deb recalled how Barb used to let Maddy play the machine with her at the driving range and be patient with her while using up all her money.
After final good-byes at the funeral home, the funeral procession traveled along John F. Kennedy Road to West 32nd Street and on to Central Avenue to Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque, where the funeral mass began at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 29, with Father Tom Zinkula officiating. Altar servers were Jackie Piper, Carrie Piper, and Brady Schetgen. The pall was placed over the casket by Dorthy Kerin, Rich McCoy, Sue Reiter, and Chris Piper. The readings were read by Chris Piper and Michele Schetgen, and Tom Larson read the Prayer of the Faithful. The offertory gifts were presented by Tammy Hubanks, Kimberly Reiter, and Andrea Reiter. Eucharistic ministers included Joyce Scherner and Michele Schetgen. Brandon Schetgen and Krista Hingtgen sang "You Raise Me Up" for the song after communion. Other hymns sung during the service included "You Are Mine," "Amazing Grace," "Prayer of St. Francis," and "On Eagle's Wings."
After the funeral service, the funeral party proceeded to Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque, where Barb was laid to rest beside her mother and father. Father Tom Zinkula also officiated at the graveside services. The cremains of her dear dog Rona were buried with Barb. Barb's pallbearers were Ken Gerken, Tim Hubanks, Norm Larson, Phil Larson, Tom Larson, Andy Piper, Mike Schetgen, and Jody Turner.
A funeral luncheon followed at Sweeney's Supper Club on Highway 52 North. After the repast, the group proceeded to the Dubuque Driving Range and another tribute to Barb with the releasing of 200 balloons.
Miss McCoy was survived by her siblings, Michael (Bobbie) McCoy, of Chesapeake, Va., Dorothy (Ronald) Kerin, of Roseville, Calif., Richard (Wanda) McCoy, of Rantoul, Ill., and Susan (Kim) Reiter, of Dubuque, Ia.; her nieces, Tammy (Tim) Hubanks and their children, Jerod and Sydnee, Kimberly (fiancé Jody Turner) Reiter and their son Gavin, Andrea (and friend Ron Borel) Reiter; her aunts; uncles; and cousins, including Chris (Andy) Piper and daughters Jackie and Carrie. She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; a sister, Donna; and her beloved dog, Rona.
The McCoy family expressed thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at The Finley Hospital Oncology Unit and to the Hospice of Dubuque. In addition, they expressed deepest appreciation to Barb's many friends and co-workers at the Dubuque Driving Range and Cottingham and Butler for their friendship and support. Memorials were directed to the Dubuque Humane Society, Tri-State Community Church, Holy Ghost Catholic Church, and the American Cancer Society.
Adrian and Joan (Nemmers) Gerken
Adrian Joseph Gerken was born on July 24, 1924, to Ewald and Anna (Schumacher) Gerken at Dubuque, Iowa. Adrian was nicknamed "Butz" as a child and later called "A.J." A.J. was graduated from Loras Academy and attended Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and in the Navy during the Korean War.
A.J. Gerken marries Joan Nemmers.
Informality marked the pretty wedding of Miss Joan Rose Nemmers, daughter of Mr. amd Mrs. Nicholas J. Nemmers of 1088 Melrose Terrace, and Adrian J. Gerken, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ewald Gerken of 2820 Burlington Street, which was held at 8 a.m., Thursday, January 6, 1949, at the Church of the Nativity in Dubuque, Iowa. The Rt. Rev. Msgr. M.L. Kerper was the officiating clergyman, Miss Leona Heim the organist, and Mrs. Ang Kerper the vocalist.
The bride, given in marriage by her father, wore a street-length dress of candlewick crepe, which was styled with a peg top skirt, elbow-length sleeves, and a ruffled bertha. Her velveteen hat was an off-the-face model of emerald green flowers; her accessories matched her hat, and she carried a nosegay of American Beauty roses and white pompons.
Miss Carol Nemmers, sister of the bride, acted as maid of honor in a dress of American Beauty crepe, styled identically to that of the bride, and a winter white hat. She carried a nosegay of white flowers.
Mrs. Nemmers wore a brown crepe dress for her daughter's wedding, and her corsage was fashioned of yellow carnations, while the bridegroom's mother chose a black print. Her corsage was styled of red carnations.
William Buelow served as the bridegroom as best man, and ushers at the church were Roger Nemmers, brother of the bride, and Terry O'Toole.
After the wedding, a breakfast was given for the bridal party and the immediate families at the Nemmers home, and later in the day the couple left on a wedding trip, with the bride attired in a cocoa brown gabardine dress and matching accessories.
Following their short wedding trip, Mr. and Mrs. Gerken first home was to be at 1409½ Rhomberg Avenue in Dubuque.
Joan was the daughter of Nicholas J. and Rose K. (Beringer) Nemmers of Dubuque, Iowa. She was graduated from Senior High School in Dubuque and attended Clarke College, Dubuque. At the time of her marriage Joan was employed as an office clerk by the local board of education.
Born to A.J. and Joan Gerken were Kurt Gerken, Nicholas Gerken, and John Gerken.
A.J. was a salesman for O'Toole Office Supply in Dubuque and then was employed by the 3M Co. until his retirement in 1986. He taught basket weaving for the Naperville Park District, at The Past Basket in Geneva, Ill., and at The Fine Line in St. Charles, Ill. A.J.'s job with 3M took the family from Dubuque to the Quad Cities in 1962, and then to Naperville, Illinois, in 1965.
A.J. Gerken dies.
Adrian J. "A.J." Gerken, 78, of Naperville, Ill., and formerly of Dubuque, Ia., died Thursday, May 15, 2003, at home. Visitation was from 4 to 9 p.m., Monday, May 19, at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home, Naperville. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 20, at SS Peter and Paul Church in Naperville, with Father Robert Noesen presiding. The first and second readings of the Mass were read by A.J.'s grandchildren Michelle Gerken and Katlyn Gerken. Gift bearers were A.J.'s grandchildren Julie Gerken, Carolyn Gerken, and Sarah Gerken. Songs included "Be Not Afraid," "I Am the Bread of Life," "Ave Maria," and "How Great Thou Art." Pallbearers were George Bogas, Ron Brigel, Tim Drendel, Dale Launspach, and A.J.'s nephews Norm Larson and Tom Larson. Interment followed in the church cemetery, with two guards from the Marine Corps presenting the U.S. flag, which had draped the casket from the church to the cemetery, to A.J.'s widow Joan, after the playing of "Taps."
A.J. Gerken was survived by his wife of 54 years, Joan (Nemmers) Gerken of Naperville; three sons, Kurt (wife Kay) Gerken of Batavia, Ill., Nick (wife Jolene) Gerken of Sarasota, Fla., and John (wife Jean) Gerken of Naperville; five granddaughters, Michelle, Julie, Katlyn, Sarah and Carolyn; three brothers, William (wife Donna) Gerken of Farley, Iowa, Daniel (wife Joyce) Gerken of Waterloo, Iowa, and Ewald Gerken of Cascade, Iowa; two sisters, Dolores Gerken of Farley, Iowa, and Mary Temple of Tulsa, Okla.; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ewald and Anna (Schumacher) Gerken; and five siblings, Donald Gerken, Loras Gerken, Louise Coakley, Teresa McCoy and Joan Larson.
Vernon and Joan (Gerken) Larson
Joan Edith Gerken was born on January 21, 1926, to Ewald and Anna (Schumacher) Gerken at Dubuque, Iowa. She married Vernon Eugene Larson on September 30, 1949, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque. Vernon was born on August 29, 1925, to Oscar and Mary (Nyborg) Larson on their farm near Argyle, Wisconsin. Vern and Joan resided in Dubuque at the home formerly owned by her parents Ewald and Anna (Schumacher) Gerken. Vern worked for John Deere in Dubuque. Born to Vernon and Joan Larson were Stephen Larson, Vernon Larson Jr., Karen Larson, Norman Larson, Phillip Larson, Thomas Larson, and Christine Larson. Joan (Gerken) Larson died on September 28, 1994, at home in Dubuque. Vernon Larson died on August 30, 2001, at home in Dubuque. They were buried at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.
- Diane M. Conlon was born on October 7, 1957, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of R. David and Ann E. (Koenig) Conlon. Diane graduated from Walhert High School in 1975. Diane Conlon married Phillip J. Larson on July 19, 1980, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque. Phil and Diane Larson lived at Dubuque, Iowa. Diane worked at K-Mart and then at Flexsteel in Dubuque, until 1986, when her children became her priority.
Diane was an active volunteer at Eisenhower School and a member of the PTA. She was a Brownies and Girl Scout leader. She also was a member of TTT, which is an organization that helps underprivileged children.Diane M. Larson, 49, of Castle Woods Lane in Dubuque, Iowa, died Saturday, September 8, 2007, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque, of complications from Huntington's Disease. Family and friends called from 3 to 8 p.m., Monday, September 10, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home in Dubuque. Funeral services were at 10:30, Tuesday, September 11, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque, with the Rev. Robert Gross officiating. The pall was placed over the casket by Phil, Michelle, Tracy, and Pete Larson. Altar servers were Jackie Piper, Carrie Piper, and Brady Schetgen. Norm Larson read the First Reading and Responsorial Psalm, Tom Larson read the Second Reading, and Michele Schetgen read the Prayer of the Faithful; Michele also served as a eucharistic minister. The offertory gifts were presented by Jacob Manning and Emily Meyer. Hymns included "How Great Thou Art," "You Are Mine," "Prayer of St. Francis," "I Am the Bread of Life," and "On Eagle's Wings." Brandon Schetgen also sang "You Raise Me Up." Burial was in the Conlon plot at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West, Iowa, where she was interred next to her father. Father Bob also officiated at the graveside service. Casket bearers were Mike Schetgen, Dave Frommelt, Carl Freiburger, and Dave Breitbach. A funeral dinner was served at Sweeney's on U.S. 52 North out of Dubuque, after which many gathered at the Dubuque Driving Range.
Mrs. Larson was survived by her husband, Phil, of Dubuque, Ia.; her children, Michelle, Tracy, and Peter Larson, all of Dubuque, Ia.; a brother, David Conlon, of Dubuque, Ia.; and a sister, Jenny (Steven) Manning, of Harpers Ferry, Ia. She was preceded in death by her parents, R. David Conlon and Ann E. Westemeier. A memorial fund has been established for the Huntington Disease Society of America.
Dolores Gerken
Dolores Irma Gerken was born to Ewald and Anna (Schumacher) Gerken at Dubuque, Iowa. She joined the convent as Sister Dolores Ann at Huntington, Indiana. She left the order in 1967. On August 31, 1975, Dolores married Kenneth G. Colby at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia. They resided at Barboursville, Virginia. They later divorced. Returning to Iowa, Dolores Gerken settled at Farley next door to her younger brother Bill. Dolores Gerken founded the Iowa Basketmaker Guild; Excerpts from a Friday, December 11, 1998, Dubuque Telegraph Herald article about her basket-making skills follow:
LONG-TIME WEAVER FINDS 'THE SPARK'
When Dolores Gerken speaks of basket-making, the kind she learned in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it is clear she views it as much more than a pastime. Basketry for Gerken encompasses human artistry, innovation and fulfillment. Baskets created in the folk art tradition are ones "you use in a strong way for something you need to do," the Farley, Iowa, woman explained. That's not to say they are bulky and only utilitarian - on the contrary - but it speaks to the origins of the basket shapes and patterns, and how they seem to take on a character as they are formed. Gerken described it as finding "the spark" when she encounters others who have come to understand the connection that she believes should be inherent in basketry.
Discovering others with "the spark" led Gerken a year ago to organize the Iowa Basketmakers Guild, a group of 10 women to whom she has introduced the art of basketry. The introduction has taken place during the last four years as she has taught traditional basket-making in classes at Northeast Iowa Community College in Peosta. While her students were learning basketry from Gerken, the Dubuque native was learning that hand-woven baskets are often viewed with a lack of appreciation in her home state. There is a general recognition of the value of them in Virginia, where she lived for more than 25 years, Gerken said. She attributes 100 less years of history for the lack of appreciation in the Midwest. Still, encouraged by her students and guild members, Gerken said it is a matter of educating people about the tradition and techniques. ... Hearing her students talk about basket-making with so much personal satisfaction is gratifying, Gerken said, because it is a feeling she has had since being introduced to the art in 1981. As an instructor in an extension homemaker's program in Virginia, she was shown how to weave a basket and then expected to show others how to do it. After that, it was a matter of developing on her own, with some help from books.
Part of what she teaches at NICC is getting students to understand the traditions and reasoning behind the various basket shapes, as well as how to create them. That is where they learn that the upward bulge in the bottom of a double-bottomed basket is done to more evenly distribute the weight of the produce carried in it. Or that cat's ear bottoms, in which the corners are tipped, are there to create an air flow to keep fruit from rotting as quickly.
Gerken said it was disappointing to her when guild members had little success this spring offering their baskets for sale at DubuqueFest. Paying $38 for a picnic basket might have been off-putting for shoppers used to cheaper baskets at retail stores, Gerken said, but the value of traditional basketry was reaffirmed in October. Going back to Virginia to participate in a craft sale, she sold 40-50 of her baskets. Gerken hopes women who have joined the guild learn to share her appreciation of the intricacies of basketry. "The longer you do the baskets, the more satisfying it is," she said.
Ewald and Elizabeth (Hughes) Gerken
Ewald George Gerken was born to Ewald and Anna (Schumacher) Gerken at Dubuque, Iowa. He was a Salesian Brother; he later left the order.
Ewald married Elizabeth Ellen Hughes on October 28, 1967, at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa.
Hughes-Gerken
Elizabeth E. Hughes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry P. Hughes, Cascade, Iowa, and Ewald G. Gerken of Dubuque, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ewald F. Gerken, were married at 11 a.m. Saturday, in St. Martin's Church in Cascade.
The bride wore a floor-length crepe gown highlighted with venise lace and chapel train extending from the neckline. A matching lace headpiece held her veil and she carried a cascade of red roses and white Frenched carnations.
Mrs. Loras Hughes, of Davenport, Ia., was her sister-in-law's matron of honor. She wore a turquoise floor-length gown with brocade bodice and chiffon-over-taffeta skirt. A veiled headpiece and yellow mums completed her ensemble.
Loras Hughes, the bride's brother, was best man. Seating the guests were Stephen Larson of Dubuque, the bridegroom's nephew, and Patrick Hughes of Cascade, Ia., cousin of the bride.
Dinner and reception were held at Swiss Valley Chalet.
The bride graduated from St. Elizabeth's School of Nursing in Chicago and Creighton Universtiy in Omaha, Neb., and was employed at Finley Hospital. Her groom attended college in Newton, N.J.
After a wedding trip to California they will live in Costa Mesa, Calif., where the bridegroom will be employed in carpentry.
Elizabeth "Beth" Ellen Hughes was born on September 6, 1932, to Henry and Marcella (Callahan) Hughes at Cascade, Iowa. She graduated from St. Martin's High School in Cascade and attended Clarke College, Creighton and St. Elizabeth Colleges and received her nursing degree.
Ewald and Beth returned from California to live at Cascade, Iowa, where they resided in the home that had belonged to her parents. Ewald worked as a carpenter, and Beth was later employed as a nurse at the Clarence (Iowa) Care Center.
Born to Ewald and Beth Gerken were Marcella "Marci" Gerken, Ewald "Gus" Gerken, Mary Bridgett Gerken, Gabriella Gerken, Henri Gerken, and Michaeleen Gerken.
Elizabeth "Beth" (Hughes) Gerken dies.
Elizabeth E. Gerken, 61, of Cascade, Iowa, died Saturday, June 11, 1994, at Mercy Health Center, St. Joseph's Unit, in Dubuque, Iowa. Friends called from 2 to 9 p.m., Sunday, June 12, at Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, where there was a scripture wake service at 4 p.m. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Monday, June 13, at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Cascade, and burial was in the church cemetery.
Mrs. Gerken was survived by four daughters, Marcella (Lee) Roe, of Anamosa, Ia.; Mary Bridgett Gerken, of Omaha, Neb., Gabriella Gerken, of Monticello, Ia., and Michaeleen Gerken, at home; two sons, Ewald F. (Tina) Gerken, of Branford, Ill., and Henri Gerken, at home; five grandchildren; four brothers, Cletus and Milton Hughes, both of Cascade, Alfred Hughes, of Dubuque, and Loras Hughes, of Davenport, Ia.
John and Mary (Gerken) Temple
Mary Leona Gerken was born to Ewald and Anna (Schumacher) Gerken at Dubuque, Iowa. She was a graduate of St. Joseph's Academy in Dubuque. She was employed by The Telegraph Herald in Dubuque at the time of her marriage in 1955.
Mary Gerken Weds Benton Man Saturday.
Miss Mary Gerken, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ewald F. Gerken of 2820 Burlington Street, became the bride of John H. Temple, son Mr. and Mrs. Fred Temple of Benton, Wis., at 9 a.m., Saturday, June 11, 1955, at Holy Ghost Church in Dubuque, Iowa. The Rt. Rev. Msgr. Leo A. Jaeger performed the double-ring ceremony and officiated the Nuptial High Mass. Miss Geraldine Hanten accompanied the Holy Ghost choir and Mrs. Phyllis Roth the soloist.
The bride, given in marriage by her father, wore a floor-length gown of imported Chantilly lace and nylon tulle, fashioned with a basque waist of lace and satin. The portrait neckline was finished with rolled collar, and the bouffant skirt had a handkerchief hemline. Her fingertip circular veil of silk illusion fell from a pearl-studded lace half hat. Her bouquet was of American Beauty roses and lilies of the valley, and she carried a crystal rosary, a gift of the bridegroom.
Mrs. Wilfred Coakley, of 335 Sabula Street in Dubuque, sister of the bride, was matron of honor. Her teal blue princess style gown was fashioned with a scooped out neckline, and a double row of handstitched scallops edged the neckline and sleeves. Her headpiece was a matching crown with a double row of scallops.
Joseph Temple of Madison, Wis., brother of the bridegroom, was the best man. Ushers were John Grotkin of Benton, Wis., and James Hunsader of Manitowoc, Wis.
For her daughter's wedding, Mrs. Gerken chose a grey and blue sheer print dress, while Mrs. Temple wore a navy blue sheer with white polka dots. Both mothers chose white accessories and wore corsages of blue and white feathered carnations.
A wedding breakfast was served at the home of the bride's parents, and later in the day a reception was held there. The hostesses were Miss Mary Jean Thill, Miss Joyce Murphy, and Miss Patricia and Miss Phyllis Mills. The wedding dinner was served at the Swiss Valley Chalet.
After a wedding trip to an unrevealed destination, Mr. and Mrs. Temple's first home was planned for 508½ Chestnut St.
The bride had been honored at two prenuptial showers.
John Temple was born on March 11, 1929, at Benton, Wisconsin, son of Fred and Frances Temple.He was raised on a dairy farm in Wisconsin. After graduating from Benton High School in 1947, he attended the University of Wisconsin and studied agriculture. He later joined the Marines and was assigned to the Aircraft Wing Unit where he served as a helicopter technician.
Upon leaving the Marines, he married Mary Gerken, of Dubuque, on June 11, 1955. At the time of his marriage he was employed by the Meadow Gold Dairy. He then started a career as a sheet metal worker, from which he retired in 1992. His passion was working on mechanical projects and sharing that knowledge and his skills with those close to him.
The Temples resided at Westminster, California, and Tulsa, Oklahoma. John and Mary Temple had three children: James Temple, Connie Temple, and Kevin Temple.
John Temple dies.
John Temple, 80, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, formerly of Benton, Wisconsin, passed away Wednesday, December 9, 2009, at Claremore Veterans Center. Services were held at 10 a.m., Monday, December 14, at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
John loved spending time with family and friends. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.
He was survived by his wife, Mary; two sons, Jim (Robin), of Tulsa, Okla., and Kevin (Denise), of Overland Park, Kan.; a daughter, Connie, of Tulsa, Okla.; five grandsons; and a great-grandson.
William and Donna (Beresford) Gerken
William Frank Gerken was born to Ewald and Anna (Schumacher) Gerken at Dubuque, Iowa. Bill Gerken was a graduate of the Loras Academy in Dubuque, and at the time of his marriage was employed by the Dubuque Packing Company.
Miss Beresford Is Bride.
EPWORTH, Ia. - A Dubuque home is planned by Mr. and Mrs. William F. Gerken who were married Saturday, October 22, 1955, at St. Patrick's Church at Epworth. Mrs. Gerken is the former Miss Donna Beresford, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Beresford of Epworth, and the bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ewald Gerken of 2820 Burlington St., Dubuque. Officiating clergyman at the 9 a.m. double ring nuptial ceremony was the Rev. William Michael.
Given in marriage by her father, the bride was attired in a gown fashioned of nylon tulle and imported Chantilly lace. The sculptured bodice was highlighted with an insert of pleated nylon tulle and ended with a portrait neckline frosted with tulle ruffling. The bouffant floor-length skirt had tulle ruffling over an underskirt of tiny net ruffles cascading to the floor. Her illusion veil was held by a crown of orange blossoms and seed pearls, and she carried red Delight roses and white carnations and valleys trimmed in lace and net and a shower of white ribbon tied in loveknots.
Miss Nelda Beresford, the bride's sister, was maid of honor. Her gown of lace and net over taffeta was in cotillion blue. The bouffant ballerina skirt was topped by a fitted lace bodice with cap sleeves and a mandarin collar. She wore a braided headpiece and carried a colonial bouquet of pink and white pompons and carnations.
Best man was Leo Hickie of Dubuque. Bob Thill, of Dubuque and Daniel Gerken, brother of the bridegroom, seated the guests.
Flower girls were Patty and Peggy Grevas of Dubuque, and the ring bearer was the bride's brother Terry. The twin flower girls wore blue gowns and carried pink pompons and carnations.
Mrs. R.D. Lorenz played the organ, and David Lorenz sang.
The bride's mother wore a gray suit with pink accessories, and the bridegroom's mother chose a navy blue dress with light blue accessories. Each wore pink and white pompons.
Breakfast at the bride's home was followed by a dinner at St. Patrick's hall at Epworth. At a reception at Holy Trinity Hall in Dubuque, Miss Patsy Callahan, Miss Susan Hamilton, Miss Elaine Hanfelt, Miss Germaine Petsche, and Miss Helen and Miss Verna Oberfoell were hostesses.
The couple planned to be at home October 30 at 2820 Burlington St., Dubuque, after a wedding trip to an unrevealed destination. For traveling the bride wore a tan suit with red accessories and a corsage of blue and white pompons.
Donna Marilyn Beresford was born to Walter H. and Viola M. (Sweeney) Beresford of Epworth, Iowa. She was graduated from Epworth High School and at the time of her marriage was employed at the A & P Super Market.
Bill and Donna lived at Costa Mesa, California, before retiring to Farley, Iowa. Bill was a finish carpenter and self-employed in construction. Donna worked as a meat wrapper at the A&P in Dubuque, Iowa, and at Stater Bros. in California before her retirement in 1994. She is a homemaker. They had five children: Catherine "Cathy," Cynthia "Cindy," Theresa "Teri," William "Bill," and Gerard "Gerry."
Bill and Donna Gerken, of Farley, Iowa, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Saturday evening, October 22, 2005, with an open house from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Farley Memorial Hall in Farley. The hall was gaily decorated, and table displays included miniature trees with photographs serving as ornaments. On display were the couple's wedding attire. Dinner was served at 7 p.m., and a dance followed. Moments of their lives and many special people were depicted in a slide show that was set to music. They also celebrated the next morning with Sunday Mass at 7 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Farley, where the celebrant gave the couple a special blessing.Their children are Cathy (and Mike) Joyce, of Irvine, Calif.; Cindy (and Louie Salgado) Shotwell, of Santa Ana, Calif.; Theresa Gerken, of Vista, Calif.; Bill (and Michelle) Gerken, of Anaheim, Calif.; and Gerry Gerken, of Costa Mesa, Calif. They have eight grandchildren, a foster grandson, and a great-grandchild. Their family and friends wish the long-married couple continued health and happiness.
Daniel and Joyce (Murphy) Gerken
Daniel Joseph Gerken was born to Ewald and Anna (Schumacher) Gerken at Dubuque, Iowa. Dan was a graduate of Loras Academy in Dubuque and worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company.
Mid-August Nuptial Rite Unites Couple.
Miss Joyce Murphy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steve Murphy, of 1220 Locust St. in Dubuque, Iowa, became the bride of Daniel Gerken, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ewald Gerken, of 2820 Burlington St., Dubuque, Saturday, August 18, 1956. The Rev. Robert J. Ament was the officiant at the 10 a.m. double ring ceremony in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Dubuque.
The bride, who was escorted to the altar by her father, selected a gown of pure silk crysetta for the exchange of wedding vows. The empire jacket of Franch lace was styled with long tapered sleeves and a tiny military collar, and the voluminous ballet length skirt of crysetta over slipper satin featured a silk cloud butterfly back bow. Her fingertip veil of illusion fell from a white crown trimmed with seed pearls, and she carried a single orchid on a white lace prayer book.
Miss Janice Murphy was her sister's maid of honor. Her princess style frock with portrait neckline and brief sleeves was set off with a black bow. A matching pleated plateau crown completed her ensemble. Maureen Murphy, also a sister of the bride, was the flower girl, and her cousin, Kenneth Cruise, carried the rings.
Wayne Chaloupka of Dubuque was the best man. Ushers were brothers of the bridal couple, Dennis Murphy and Loras Gerken.
Assisting at the wedding reception were Miss Barbara Sheets, senior hostess, and Miss Sharon and Miss Mary Foran.
Joyce Suzanne Murphy was born on August 6, 1936, in Faribault, Minnesota, daughter of Stephen and Suzanne (Kotewa) Murphy. Joyce was graduated from St. Joseph's Academy in Dubuque, Iowa. At the time of her marriage, she was a secretary at the Farley & Loetscher Company in Dubuque.
Dan and Joyce made their home in Waterloo, Iowa. Dan continued working for the telephone company and retired from US West Telephone. Joyce was a secretary at Columbus High School in Waterloo for many years. They had four children: Paul, David, Danette, and Marianne.
Dan and Joyce Gerken celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their family the weekend of August 19-20, 2006, at Delhi, Iowa. Their children are Paul (and Cindy) Gerken of Cedar Rapids, Ia., David Gerken of Minneapolis, Minn., Danette (and Roger) Shook of Denver, Ia., and Marianne (and Bob Stalberger) of Decorah, Ia. There are seven grandchildren.
Joyce S. Gerken, 73, of Waterloo, Iowa, died Saturday, March 13, 2010, of a heart attack, at her winter home in Lady Lake, Florida. Funeral services were at 1:30 p.m., Friday, March 19, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Waterloo.
The Rev. Jerry Kopacek was principal celebrant and homilist at the funeral mass, and the Catholic Daughters of America attended the service as a body. The organist was Dave Berns and vocalists were the Resurrection Choir. Bob Stalberger, Joyce's son-in-law, served as lector, and her granddaughters Jillyn Gerken, Katie and Darcy Shook, Shelby Stalberger, and Malia Burton were giftbearers. Casket bearers were her grandsons Mike Gerken, Nick Gerken, Jackson and Martin Stalberger, Sean Redmond, and her godson and nephew, Tom Larson. Entombment was in the mausoleum at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Waterloo.
Visitation was from 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 18, at Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service on Ridgeway in Waterloo, where there was a Catholic Daughters of America rosary at 4 p.m. and a vigil at 7 p.m. Visitation was also for an hour before services at the church on Friday.
A luncheon was served in the hall at St. Edward's Church after interment, after which many gathered at the Gerken home in Waterloo.
Joyce was survived by her husband, Dan; two sons, Paul (Cindy) Gerken of Cedar Rapids, Ia.; Dave (Sue Baune) Gerken of Apple Valley, Minn.; two daughters, Danette (Roger) Shook of Denver, Ia., and Marianne (Bob) Stalberger of Decorah, Ia.; eight grandchildren, Mike and Jillyn Gerken, Nick Gerken, Katie and Darcey Shook, and Jackson, Martin, and Shelby Stalberger; two great-grandchildren, Sean Redmond and Malia Burton; two sisters, Jan Skram of Spirit Lake, Ia., and Maureen (Roger) Miller of La Motte, Ia. She was preceded in death by her parents, Stephen and Suzanne Murphy; a brother, Dennis Murphy; and a brother-in-law, Thomas Skram.
Memorials were directed to the Columbus High School (Waterloo, Ia.) Scholarship Program or to Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Research.
- Roger L. Shook was born on November 24, 1946, in Waterloo, Iowa, son of Kenneth and Mary (Rasmussen) Shook. He married Cheryle Beener on July 2, 1966 in Waterloo, Iowa. They were later divorced. Roger Shook married Danette Gerken on October 5, 2001 in Waverly, Iowa.
Roger graduated from Waterloo West High School in 1965. He worked briefly at Titus Manufacturing Company and served in the U.S. Army in Viet Nam. He was a Waterloo Police Officer, serving as Chief of Police from 1985 to 1990 and was an instructor of police science at Hawkeye Community College. He retired in 2003. He was a member of the Waterloo Exchange Club.Roger L. Shook, 63, of Denver, Iowa, formerly of Waterloo, Iowa, died Friday, May 7, 2010, at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo. Services were at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 12, at St. Edward Catholic Church in Waterloo, with the Rev. Jerry Kopacek presiding. Lectors at the service were Paul Gerken and Dave Gerken. Gift bearers were Cindy Gerken, Marianne Stalberger, and Sue Baune. Faye Hansen was organist with the Resurrection Choir as vocalists. Casketbearers were members of the Waterloo Police Department, John Beckman, Joe Leibold, Greg Erie, Tim Pillack, Michael McNamee, and Stacy Hogle.
Entombment in the Garden of Memories Chapel Mausoleum, where full military rites were conducted by Waterloo Amvets Post 19, Evansdale Amvets Post 31, and the Iowa Army National Guard. A luncheon was served in the hall at St. Edward's Church after ceremonies at the cemetery.
Visitation was from 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 11, at Hagarty – Waychoff – Grarup Funeral Service on West Ridgeway in Waterloo, where there was a 7 p.m. vigil service. Visitation continued at the church for an hour before services on Wednesday.
He was survived by his wife, Danette; two daughters, Darcey Shook, of Waterloo, Ia., and Katelyn Shook, at home; two grandchildren, Sean Redmond and Malia Burton, both of Waterloo, Ia.; four sisters, Sharon (Larry) Amos of Waterloo, Ia., Sandy (Herb) Morrison of Washburn, Ia., Sally (Dave) Burch, of Cedar Falls, Ia., and Sonya (Steve) Leemon, of Cedar Rapids, Ia.; and his father-in-law, Daniel Gerken of Waterloo, Ia. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jerry; and his mother-in-law, Joyce Gerken.
Loras and Virginia (Loucks) Gerken
Loras and Marlene (Beck) Banck Gerken
Loras Thomas Gerken was born on December 29, 1937, to Ewald and Anna (Schumacher) Gerken at Dubuque, Iowa. Loras married Virginia "Ginny" Ann Loucks on September 5, 1959, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque.
Born to Loras and Virginia Gerken were Joseph "Joe" Gerken, Carol Gerken, and Kenneth "Ken" Gerken.
They lived at Dubuque, Iowa, on Kniest St., and Loras was an upholsterer at Flexsteel Industries. Loras was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, Court 686, and the United Steel Workers of America, Local 1861U. Loras and Ginny divorced in 1971.
Loras married Marlene Marian (Beck) Banck on May 25, 1974, at Menominee, Ill., and they lived on Muscatine Street, across the back alley from his sister Joan and brother-in-law Vernon, and they frequently got together to play euchre.
Marlene was born to Floyd J. "Toik" and Marian K. (Nachtman) Beck. Marlene's first husband Richard Banck had died, and born to Richard and Marlene Banck were Lynne Banck, Nancy Banck, Joseph Banck, and Michael Banck. Marlene brought Joe "Little Joe" and Mike into her new household with Loras, and Loras brought his three children, Joe "Big Joe," Carol, and Kenny, and then Loras and Marlene had one child together, Loras "Squirt" Gerken II.
Loras Gerken dies.
Loras T. Gerken, 54, of Dubuque, Iowa, died at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 1992, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa. Friends called from 2 to 9 p.m., Thursday, May 7, at Behr Funeral Home in Dubuque, where the parish wake service was said at 8 p.m. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m., Friday, May 8, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque, with burial in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Dubuque.
Mr. Gerken was survived by his wife Marlene; a daughter, Mrs. Cortney (Carol) Vance of Iowa City, Ia.; three sons, Joseph E. Gerken of Footville, Wis., Kenneth A. (and Terri) Gerken and Loras T. Gerken II, both of Dubuque; two stepdaughters, Mrs. David (Lynne) Meyers and Mrs. David (Nancy) Kann, both of Dubuque; two stepsons, Joseph M. Banck and Michael R. Banck, both of Dubuque; six grandchildren; four sisters, Mrs. Donald (Teresa) McCoy and Mrs. Vern (Joan) Larson, both of Dubuque, Mrs. Kenneth (Dolores) Colby of Barboursville, Va., and Mrs. John (Mary) Temple of Tulsa, Okla.; and four brothers, Adrian (and Joan) Gerken of Naperville, Ill., Ewald (and Beth) Gerken of Cascade, Ia., Daniel (and Joyce) Gerken of Waterloo, Ia., and William (and Donna) of Costa Mesa, Calif.
Sources include articles and obituaries from the Dubuque Telegraph Herald.
Ewald and Anna (Schumacher) Gerken
The Gerken · Larson Heritage - contents page
The Kieler · Uthe · Schumacher Heritage - contents page
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