Howard Gerken

1928 - 2011

Howard W. Gerken, 82, of Baraboo, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011, at St. Clare Hospice House in Baraboo.

Howard, the son of Clarence and Martha (Slama) Gerken, was born Dec. 7, 1928, in Elroy. He graduated from Royal High School in Elroy. On Sept. 5, 1962, Howard married Geraldine R. (nee Brost) Haferman at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Dells. Howard helped his parents with their farm in Elroy and sold produce and frozen foods for Benson's Fruit Market in Elroy. He and Geraldine lived in Elroy for several years, then moved to Madison where he farmed as well as worked for A.J. Sweet. They built a home on Lake Sherwood in Adams County and lived there for several years before retiring in Tucson, Ariz.

Howard was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Baraboo. He enjoyed doing home improvement projects for his home as well as their children's' homes. He volunteered at church and at the golf course and was a volunteer security driver for their retirement park.

Howard is survived by his wife, Geraldine R. Gerken, Baraboo; children, Dawn Gerken, Chandler, Ariz., Cynthia Dolzal, Chandler, Ariz.; stepchildren, Nancy (James) Higgins, Baraboo, Linda (Richard) Jenks, Baraboo, Candace (Roger) Gruman, Tucson, Ariz., and Timothy Haferman, Plover; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a sister, Gleva Weipking, Miami, Fla.; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Marge Wojtawitz; brother, Lawrence Gerken; and stepson, Leonard A. Haferman.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1120 Draper St., Baraboo, with Pastor David Jensen officiating.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of services at church.

Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7, in Restlawn Memorial Park in Wisconsin Rapids.

Redlin Funeral Home of Baraboo is assisting the family with arrangements.