Fifth Generation

143. Paul William GERKE was born on 28 July 1946 in Sparta, Sparta Township, Monroe County, WI.²⁷⁴ He died on 15 January 2021 at the age of 74 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.²⁷⁴
Obituary Notes: "Paul W. Gerke, 74, of Tomah, WI, passed away Friday, January 15, 2021, at Tomah Health in Tomah, WI. Paul was born July 28, 1946 to Allan and Ardella (Kewit) Gerke. He was a 1964 graduate of Tomah High School. Following graduation, he served in the Army National Guard.

Paul began work with his father and brother at a young age. He found that hard work and dedication helped him to run a successful business- Gerke Excavating. His whole life revolved around his work and keeping the organization a vital part of the local community.

Paul married his best friend, Diana Laufenberg, January 30, 1971, and together they made their home in Tomah. He had a great love for his family, hard work and cars. Paul also enjoyed being at Castle Rock Lake. He will be missed by many who he worked with throughout the years.

Paul is survived by his wife Diana; three children, Jay (Kristen) Gerke and their children, Mason, Justin, Owen and Quinn; Chad (special friend, Jennifer Wampler) Gerke and his children, Cole and Taylor, and their mom, Mandy; and Kim (Greg) Voigt and their son Chase; sister, Judy (Lee) Arity; brother, Richard (Mary) Gerke; along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives and good friends.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; Allan and Ardella; and his in-laws Louis and Eleonora Laufenberg.

Paul’s family would like to thank his dear friend, Kyle Gibbens who continued to drive him to job sites once Paul’s health declined; also, to thank Kares -Just For You, caretakers, Lori and Staci for the support and compassion they showed to Paul.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, January 21, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Evangelical Church in Tomah, WI. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery. Family and friends are invited for visitation Wednesday, January 20, 2021, 4-7:00 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah, WI.

In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to be made in Paul’s name to the Boys and Girls Club of Tomah.

For those unable to physically attend Paul’s funeral in person, an option for livestreaming will be available by going to the Torkelson Funeral Home Facebook page at 11:00 on Thursday."

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Paul William GERKE and Diana Maria LAUFENBERG were married on 30 January 1971 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.²⁷⁴ at St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Diana Maria LAUFENBERG, daughter of Louis Joseph "Louie" LAUFENBERG and Eleanora BRAVETTI, was born on 23 January 1951 in Sparta, Sparta Township, Monroe County, WI. She was a part-owner/realtor at ERA Realty in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.

Paul William GERKE and Diana Maria LAUFENBERG had the following children: