Sunday, December 9, 2007

In Memoriam - Paul Gehrke

Paul Henry Gehrke
May 16, 1925 - December 1, 2007
Born in Chatfield, Minnesota, Paul spent his early years on a small farm, before his family moved into town. Paul led a varied life, serving in the Merchant Marine in World War II, running a mobile feed grinding business, and eventually entering the farm machinery business as a salesman at a dealership. He later moved on to become a sales reprentative for several companies during his career, including Allis Chalmers, M&W, Stover-Winstead, and Krause Plow Company. Over the years, he serviced territories ranging from central Illinois to portions of the east coast. In 1991, he retired and moved from his then home in Columbus, Ohio to a small acreage near Armstrong, Illinois, where he delighted in helping his son in law Jon Fourez (wife Dee) on the farm.

Paul was a member of the I&I Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club for many years. He served the club in several capacities, serving on the show safety committee for several years, and spent many long days on the lawn mower keeping the grounds looking good.

In 1947, Paul was joined in marriage to Nora Augusta Dobberfuhl of St. Paul, Minnesota who preceded him in death. Paul and Nora had four daughters, Jan, Jill, Faye, and Dee, one son, Hugh, many grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.