Theodore "Ted" Gerken

Theodore "Ted" M. Gerken, 103, of Paola, passed away on March 6, 2015 at North Point Skilled Nursing. He was born on December 20, 1911, Block, Kansas to John and Bertha (Schultz) Gerken. He grew up in Block and attended Block school for 8 years then graduated from Paola High School with the Class of 1932. On May 21, 1942 he married Frances Officer at the Block Trinity Lutheran Church. They made their home in Block and became the parents of five children. Frances preceded him in death on February 6, 1994. Ted worked for Bendix as a parts inspector for approximately 20 years retiring at the age of 65. He then returned to farming. He spent several years as a realtor for Century 21. He was married to Kathleen (Colvin) Fehling on November 14, 1998. They made their home in Paola. Kathleen preceded him in death on November 29, 2007. Ted enjoyed traveling and fishing. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and Block Ruritans. He was preceded in death by his first wife Frances, second wife Kathleen, father John H. Gerken, mother Bertha Gerken, five sisters Edna Prothe, Elsie Grother, Hilda Eckhoff, Irene Stohs, and Esther Keller. Ted is survived by four sons Carl Wayne Gerken (Linda) of Wenatchee, WA, John W. Gerken (Kathy) of Paola, KS, Dean L. Gerken of Kansas City, MO, David A. Gerken (Cara) of Cashion, OK; daughter Ardith A. Odinga (Michael) of Midlothian, TX; 14 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Memorial contributions can be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church and sent in care of Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 305 N. Pearl, Paola, KS, 66071. To share a memory of Ted or leave a condolence message for his family, please click the Share Memories button above. Block Trinity Lutheran Church Service: Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at 10:00 AM Visitation: Tuesday, March 10, 2015 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM