Gerald "Gary" L. Wolken

Gerald L. “Gary” Wolken, age 55, of Greeley, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2015. Gary was born on February 4, 1959, in Garnett, Kansas. He was the youngest of five children born to Bernard and Anna Marie (Sommer) Wolken. He graduated from Garnett High School in 1977. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Christy DeVore on October 22, 1983, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Greeley, Kansas. This union was blessed with two daughters, Melissa and Jessica. Gary loved his life, his family and his friends. The most important thing in his life was his beautiful girls. He was willing to do anything for anyone. His passion was nature and he loved to witness the wilderness wake up. He spent countless hours fishing with his wife, hunting and gardening. He made every effort to make it to his girls’ softball games and loved his time on the family farm with his brothers. Gary worked his whole life in construction. He was currently working for Kissick Construction and had spent several years working for McCorkendale and Bazin. He has been a member of the International Laborer’s Union Local #1290 since 1981, totaling 34 years. Gary was also a lifetime member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Greeley. He was preceded in death by his father, Bernard Wolken; brother-in-law, Gary Spencer; and nephew, Craig Spencer. Gary is survived by his wife, Christy Wolken, of the home; two daughters, Melissa Wolken and fiancé Charles Paufler of Nashville, Tennessee; Jessica Wolken of Greeley; granddaughter Rylee Jean Wolken of Greeley; his mother, Anna Marie Wolken of Greeley, Kansas; brothers, Myron Wolken and wife Becky of Beloit, Kansas; Joe Wolken and wife Claudette of Greeley; sisters, Connie Eddings and husband Troy; and Colette Spencer, both of Greeley; and nineteen nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 19, 2015, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Greeley, Kansas. Burial will follow in the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery in Scipio, Kansas. The family will greet friends following a Rosary at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday evening at St. John’s Church in Greeley. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rylee Wolken Education Fund and left in care of the Bank of Greeley. Condolences may be sent to www.feuerbornfuneral.com .