William "Bill" Gerken

William "Bill" Gerken passed away on May 16, 2018 at his home in Slidell. He was born in Portsmouth, OH, and raised in Carlsbad, CA where he loved surfing and playing football as a fullback at Carlsbad High. As a fullback he was small in frame but he played fast and tough the entire game. He excelled in school athletics and leadership. Bill was the Student Body President of his senior class, and also voted "most popular." He was loved and admired by his peers, as he loved and kept a friendship with a lot of his classmates throughout his life. Following high school graduation, he moved to Hawaii to go surfing! After a couple of years at San Diego University he volunteered to serve in the U.S. Navy. He always said he "very successfully, defended the beaches of Waikiki!" As a Navy Veteran, Bill chose his new "home" to be New Orleans, LA. He always said that when he came to live in New Orleans, he fit right in as the oddball he was "like a round peg that fit in a square hole." His heart was certainly settled in NOLA, since he never left after 54 years – a self-proclaimed "born again New Orleanian." Within months of his arrival he met is lifelong love, Kathy. With the grip of his hand, he held her heart, and led her into what became a 50 year marriage full of world travels and adventures, through the good, the bad, and the ugly. Bill and Kathy were inseparable throughout their life together. They traveled North America as a husband and wife team, in an 18 wheeler for 15 years. During that time they lived on and sailed their ketch, Zia, and traveled to the Colombian Islands and all around the Gulf of Mexico. They also sailed the Greek Islands on his nephew's boat. Their relationship fueled one another's bravery, leading them into everything from skydiving, sailing and outdoor adventures, world travels, and even entrepreneurial endeavors. The secret to their marriage was that he always kept Kathy laughing, and one of his favorite lines for her was "your command is my wish." To Kathy, Bill was not only her best friend and mentor, but was also her Adventure Man, Swashbuckler, and funny man. She always admired his intelligence, and comedic comebacks, because there is nothing sexier than an intelligent comedian. Together, Bill and Kathy, shared a deep love for their home city of New Orleans, and especially Mardi Gras season, which Bill described as "a million drunks in the streets….and there are no riots!" Bill and Kathy loved the New Orleans dining and music scene – from the neighborhood dives and bars to fine dining. Their relationship was built on the streets of the city as they enjoyed the diverse culture, and myriad of people and characters. Some of Bill's ashes will be spread on the banks of the Mississippi River on Mardi Gras, 2019. The happiest day of the year; a celebration of life! Loving husband, companion, and best friend to Kathy Gerken for over 50 years. Son of the late Fred and Marcella Gerken. Preceded in death by his sister, Janet Bennett, Brother James "Jim" Gerken and niece Sally Gerken Stevens. Bill leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews. Mark (Jenny), Kevin (Jennifer), Jim Bennett, Matt (Donna) Bennett, Brad (Jane) Gerken, Chris (Susanne) Gerken, Cheyenne (Kari) Couret have built their families and given Bill the title of "Great Uncle" as well as "Great Great Uncle" to their many children and grandchildren. Also he leaves behind his godchild Paul Leon Eckholdt-Brown that he fondly called his "nephew"; also his best friends and cousins by marriage are Brian Spurlock, Eirleen Eckholdt- Brown, and Ben Eckholdt. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Memorial Service on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 34695 W. Dubuisson Rd., Slidell from 4:00pm until 6:30pm. Arrangements entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, Covington, LA.