Paul Gerken

Paul Edward Gerken, 90, of Washington, IL, passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025, with his loving family by his side.

He was born on December 28, 1934, in Washington the son of Theodore and Irene (Wehner) Gerken. He married Shirley Turvill on September 1, 1957, in Washington, IL.

Surviving are his wife, one son, Donald (Gail Griffith) Gerken of Clayton, CA; one daughter, Katherine (Jason) Nelson of St. Petersburg, FL. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Lauren Gerken (Kathleen Cherry) of New York, NY, and Christopher Gerken (Natalie Cedillo) of West Sacramento, CA. His parents, one daughter, Karen Gerken, two sisters, Sarah Foster and Virginia Reimer, all preceded him in death.

He was a proud U.S. Army veteran whose diverse talents shone through in every endeavor he pursued. As a dedicated farmer, he cultivated the land with care, while also honing his mechanical skills at Essig Motor Company and Cook's Machine Shop in Washington. His craftsmanship as a carpenter at Columbia Rug & Linoleum in Peoria further highlighted his commitment to quality and precision.

Paul didn't just drive; he excelled behind the wheel as a driver for Peoria Charter Coach, where his exceptional abilities earned him the prestigious Million Safe Driving Miles Award. He also served as Vice President and dispatcher for the company, demonstrating his leadership and dedication to excellence.

Paul was a devoted member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Washington. His commitment extended to the Carpenter Local Union #237 in Peoria, reflecting his dedication to his craft. In addition to these affiliations, Paul was a distinguished member of Masonic Taylor Lodge #98 AF & AM in Washington, proudly serving as both Past Master Mason and Past Worthy Patron. His journey in Freemasonry also included memberships in the esteemed Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Peoria, and the Mohammed Shrine Temple in Peoria.

Paul was an extensive traveler who enjoyed woodworking, camping, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. The Masons, along with the Order of the Eastern Star (OES), played a significant role in his life, especially during the 1960s and 1970s. He and other local craftsmen and lodge members dedicated considerable time to constructing the Taylor Masonic Lodge building on N. Wilmor Road in Washington.

Visitation for Paul will be Monday, September 29, 2025, from 4pm until 6pm with Masonic Services at 6 pm all at Mason-White Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 10 am on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, also at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memory Gardens in rural Morton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Shriners Hospital for Children or to the American Cancer Society. To share a memory or send a condolence to his family visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com. Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington has been entrusted with arrangements.