ALPHONSE GERKEN

Visitation for Alphonse Gerken, 65, of Wagner began Wednesday afternoon, January 25 and continued until 12 noon on Friday at the American Legion Hall in Wagner. He was cremat-ed following his visitation. Peters Funeral Home in Wagner was in charge of arrangements.

Alphonse Gerken was born on September 30, 1957 to Wilfred and Martha Gerken in Sioux Falls, where he grew up and went to school. He died Monday, January 23, 2023 at his home in rural Wagner.

1977 was quite the year for Alphonse, he met his future wife Lori Serles, lost his leg in a motorcycle accident, was shot in the face and a couple months later he capsized in a canoe, almost drowning in the icy water. Never a dull moment with Alphonse.

Alphonse and Lori were married in Sidney, Nebraska on December 3, 1982, where he graduated technical school. They both traveled the United States living in various states along the way, finally settling on the old homestead in Wagner, where his mother was raised. Alphonse was down to earth and stubborn. He didn't care what people thought of him. He was going to do things his way, but was more than willing to help people who deserved help because he knew what it was like to be down and out.

Alphonse is survived by his wife Lori Gerken, George (Fay) Gerken of Norfolk, NE, Natasha, Daniel and Autumn Gerken of Wagner; his sister, Helen Gerken of Manderson; his uncle, Daniel Stinger of Wagner; and sisterin- law Suzette WhiteShirt of Sioux Falls. Alphonse has five grandchildren: Isces, Irys,Iyana, Izadora and Brooklyn; and many nieces and nephews .

Alphonse was preceded in death by his parents Wilfred and Martha Gerken and his son Eric Serles.