GERKEN, John Dean 1921-2008

GERKEN, FELDMAN, SIEBRANDS

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 11/1/2008 at 09:17:42

John D. "Jack" Gerken, age 87 of George, Iowa, died Saturday, October 25, 2008, at the Good Samaritan Center in George, Lyon county, Iowa.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, October 29th at Zoar Presbyterian Church, rural George, Iowa, with burial at the church cemetery.

John “Jack” Dean Gerken was born February 15, 1921, on the family farm in Grant Township near George, Iowa the son of John T. and Dena (Feldman) Gerken. Jack grew up on the family farm near George where he attended Grant Township Country School. He spent his growing up years helping his parents on the family farm. On June 22, 1949, he married Leota Siebrands at Luverne, Minnesota and they made their home on “The Old Home Farm” east of George where they raised their family. They were blessed with 9 children. In addition to the farming operation, he was also well known for his electrical work in the George area. Jack was a lifelong member of the Zoar Presbyterian Church where he served as Elder, Trustee and on the Cemetery Board.

Jack enjoyed fishing, driving through the countryside and Sunday afternoon visits with family and friends. Everyone was welcome in their home and there was always an offer to come in for a cup of coffee or tea. He had a good sense of humor and loved to tease. He enjoyed the grandchildren coming to the farm and they loved being there. Many memories were made around the yard by driving the car, playing with the dogs and driving the golf cart.

Jack is survived by his wife Leota Gerken of George; eight children: John (wife Maria) Gerken of Doon, Iowa; Mary Gerken of May City, Iowa; Ruthie (husband Mark) Dickmann of George; Jackie Kruger of Fayetteville, North Carolina; Lori (husband Eldon) Sneller of Doon, Iowa; Charlie (wife Georgia) Gerken of Sibley, Iowa; Cindy (husband Paul) Kruse of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Darwin (wife Brenda) Gerken of George, Iowa ; along with eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his son, James Gerken; parents, John and Dena Gerken; siblings, Faye Hasebroek, Effa May Honken, Susie Renken and Ben Gerken.

(Jurrens Funeral Home obituary)