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Barry Gerken Obituary
November 21, 1944 - July 16, 2023
Barry Gerken, 78, of Omaha, was born November 21, 1944, and passed away on July 16th, 2023.
Barry attended St. Cecilia's Elementary and Cathedral High School, then earned his undergraduate degree from Creighton University and his law degree from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. After law school, Barry was drafted by the Army and served as a Judge Advocate General in Germany for 2 years. After an honorable discharge, Barry worked for the IRS for over 35 years, and earned his CPA license during that time.
Barry was married to his wife, Mary, for 47 years, and they had 3 children, Kate, Sarah, and Matthew. Spending time with them brought him the most pleasure in life. Additional passions included taking his family skiing in Colorado, backpacking and hiking the Rocky Mountains with friends, supporting the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Kansas City Chiefs, completing puzzles and spending time at the family cabin at Woodcliff.
Barry was extremely thoughtful, empathetic, and friendly to all. Another character trait everyone could agree on about Barry was his selflessness. After retiring from the IRS, Barry dove into volunteer work around Omaha. He loved spending time at St. Cecilia's Cathedral, Volunteers Assisting Seniors and the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
Barry was an excellent father, husband, friend and colleague, who, if sought, could provide excellent counsel with just the right balance of compassion and candor. Barry's charm, warmth and wit will be missed, but he lives on in the hearts of all who knew him; undoubtedly, a touching reminder of a life well lived.
Barry was preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Loretta and his sister Kathleen. He is survived by his wife Mary, daughter and son-in-law Kate and Neil Ripley of San Tan Valley, Arizona, daughter and son-in-law Sarah and Kyle Zinke of Omaha, and son and daughter-in-law Matthew and Stevie Gerken of Omaha, as well as his grandchildren, Lauren Ripley, Ashley Ripley, Claire Ripley, Caroline Gerken and Calvin Gerken.
All services will be at St. Cecilia's Cathedral, 701 N. 40th St, Omaha, 68131.
The visitation will be held Thursday, July 20th beginning at 5:00 p.m., followed by the Vigil service at 7:00 p.m.
Family and friends are also welcome to attend the funeral mass on Friday, July 21st at 11:15 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
Barry's family requests donations be sent to The Furniture Project, 10808 'J' St., Omaha, NE 68137.
JOHN A. GENTLEMAN MORTUARIES AND CREMATORY
72nd STREET CHAPEL
1010 North 72nd St. 402-391-1664 | http://www.johnagentleman.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Barry Gerken
Sponsored by John A. Gentleman Mortuaries - 72nd Street Chapel.
Caroline Huffman
August 17, 2023
Mary, I´m so sorry that I just found out about Barry´s passing. Barry and I became quick friends when I started working at IRS. He took me under his wing, and helped me through some trying times over the years. Fun memories of carpooling to work in my little yellow Volkswagen. Barry was one of the kindest and understanding friend I´ve ever had and I will never forget him. Prayers to you and your family. Caroline Simons Huffman.
Eileen Wirth
July 28, 2023
Mary- I have such fond memories of working with you and Barry during our years at St. C's School. Prayers and hugs.
Eileen Wirth
Sharon Barber
July 24, 2023
Mary, I just heard about Barry's passing. I know this is deep loss for you and your family. Barry was a great friend to my sister Mary Ruth and myself. I loved his sense of humor, as well as his patience when we worked at the IRS. I know he will be missed greatly, by all of you.
Ed Leahy
July 21, 2023
We were blessed by Barry's service, friendship, example and total dedication. He is a mentor and friend that will be kindly be remembered by other volunteers and customers of the Omaha EITC Coalition and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. On behalf of many, Ed Leahy.
Laurence Wagner
July 21, 2023
I only knew Barry from a single day -- in about Aug 2018 -- when he helped me to determine whether or not I should sign-up for MediCare Part B. As soon as one of the other volunteers (in a services support office in the Center Mall) heard I was a former Federal employee, they took me straight over to Barry and said, "You need to talk to this guy, because he'll know the best answer to your concerns." So, I started talking to Barry. As we addressed my issues about the Part B plan, he provided enough information and basis that made it clear I would be making the WORST possble decision if I did NOT apply for Part B.
Even though Barry didn't know me from Adam, he treated me as though I was a long time friend and proved himself to be a highly honorable man. I'm convinced that God brought me to him on that day, because Barry was only in that office one day a week, which was the day I "happened" to visit. Barry's advice was essential to me and my well-being. And for that, I am GRATEFUL to him.
So, here's the MOST important "GOD moment." ----- From the outset, you should know that I never go to the obituary page, but today I did. And as I saw Barry's photo, I said to myself... "I know that guy." And as I read about Barry's background, suddenly the day -- when he was SO supportive to me and treated me so well -- came flooding back to me, even though it was less than an hour that I talked to him on an otherwise completely uneventful day.
I praise God for both that day AND today, because HE has once again demonstrated
HIS sovereignty and power over such a little and inconsequential matter, yet proving to us that HE meets us in even the small tbings.
Barry saved me from some significant consequences without knowing just how important his advice was. May Barry find himself in the presence of Y'shua Hamashiach who says to him, "Well done, thou GOOD and FAITHFUL SERVANT."
Thank you Barry !! And I am so glad I saw your photo. You were such a gentleman !!
Bunnie Blankenau
July 20, 2023
My condolences. Barry was my manager in IRS Appeals. He was a wonderful manager, mentor and person
Brian Mitchell
July 20, 2023
To all the Gerken family - I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for all of you at this tough time. God called home a very good man. May God bless you all and fill your hearts with loving memories of Barry.
Brian Mitchell
Cathedral Class of 1978
Barbara Strominger
July 19, 2023
I crossed paths with Barry volunteering at Volunteers Assisting Seniors (VAS). I admired the way he worked with clients--knowledgable, but never condescending, always patient. He was a role model and will be missed by volunteers and VAS clients.
Mark Kresl
July 19, 2023
I´m going to miss seeing Barry walking his sheepdog in the neighborhood.
Cathy Bombere
July 19, 2023
Barry was one of the nicest person I worked with at the IRS. My deepest sympathy goes to his family.
Mary Buglewicz Duffy
July 18, 2023
Mary and Family, so sorry to hear about Barry. May God grant all of you comfort. Your family is in our prayers.
Don and Pat Heimes
July 18, 2023
Mary, we were surprised to here of this loss. Our thoughts and prayers for you and all of the family
Dee Benning
July 18, 2023
My condolences to Mary and family.
Leigh Falk
July 18, 2023
I remember Barry and his Manhattans out at the lake. Always a good time. My condolences to Mary Agnus and the family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cheri Brown
July 18, 2023
So sorry to hear this. My condolences to Mary and family.Barry and Mary´s wedding reception is still memorable!
Gene Kathol
July 18, 2023
Barry always had a smile on the golf course. He brightened everyone´s day. Thoughts & prayers go out to his family. He is missed here, but secure in the company of Our Lord.
Ardith and Dan Ryberg
July 18, 2023
Prayers for the Gerken family in this time of grief. God bless.
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