Barry L. Gerken

Barry attended St. Cecilia's Elementary and Cathedral High School, then earned his undergraduate degree from Creighton University and his law degree from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. After law school, Barry was drafted by the Army and served as a Judge Advocate General in Germany for 2 years. After an honorable discharge, Barry worked for the IRS for over 35 years, and earned his CPA license during that time.

Barry was married to his wife, Mary, for 47 years, and they had 3 children, Kate, Sarah, and Matthew. Spending time with them brought him the most pleasure in life. Additional passions included taking his family skiing in Colorado, backpacking and hiking the Rocky Mountains with friends, supporting the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Kansas City Chiefs, completing puzzles and spending time at the family cabin at Woodcliff.

Barry was extremely thoughtful, empathetic, and friendly to all. Another character trait everyone could agree on about Barry was his selflessness. After retiring from the IRS, Barry dove into volunteer work around Omaha. He loved spending time at St. Cecilia's Cathedral, Volunteers Assisting Seniors and the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

Barry was an excellent father, husband, friend and colleague, who, if sought, could provide excellent counsel with just the right balance of compassion and candor. Barry's charm, warmth and wit will be missed, but he lives on in the hearts of all who knew him; undoubtedly, a touching reminder of a life well lived.

Barry was preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Loretta and his sister Kathleen. He is survived by his wife Mary, daughter and son-in-law Kate and Neil Ripley of San Tan Valley, Arizona, daughter and son-in-law Sarah and Kyle Zinke of Omaha, and son and daughter-in-law Matthew and Stevie Gerken of Omaha, as well as his grandchildren, Lauren Ripley, Ashley Ripley, Claire Ripley, Caroline Gerken and Calvin Gerken.