PAUL GELBKE

PAUL R. GELBKE
Appleton

Age 97, died on Saturday, June 8, 2002. Paul was born on April 16, 1905, in Calbe, Germany to the late Carl A. and Anna (Koenig) Gelbke. He married Dorothy Robbins on May 9, 1941, in Appleton. Paul was a graduate of Lawrence College in 1930 and served his country during World War II in the Army’s 359th Engineering Company. He owned and operated Gelbke’s West Park Nursery until 1992. During his over 60 years at the nursery he landscaped many Appleton locations, including the Banta Bowl at Lawrence. Paul was a 50-year member of the Appleton Noon Lions Club. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Dorothy; his children, Pam (Vern) Geiger, Neenah; Paula Gelbke (Vince Bushell), Milwaukee; and Lori Gelbke, Appleton; his grandchildren, Beth (Jim) Wendt, Appleton, and Paul Gerhardt, Maui, Hawaii; his great grandchildren, Ramsey and Harper Wendt; his brother, Carl (Evelyn) Gelbke, Appleton; his sisters-in-law, Agnes, Mardelle and Katherine Gelbke; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his brothers Bill, Eric and Al, and his sisters, Helen Indra and Gertrude Wismer. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12, 2002, at FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 724 East South River Street Appleton, with Rev. John McFadden officiating. Friends may call directly at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. A memorial has been established in his name. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to his caregivers during the past year for their loving care.
WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 North Superior Street
Appleton 739-1231
www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com

Paul planted a ginkgo tree in his yard when he was 80. He lived to see it grow into mature beauty. He lived life in this optimistic manner until the end. Above all he loved his family and we will miss him dearly.