Paul Henry Gehrke

Paul H. Gehrke, 84, Mosinee, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2025, at Cedar Creek Manor, Kronenwetter.

Paul was born on September 30, 1940, in Manitowoc, WI, son of the late Paul and Annette (Lochner) Gehrke. Paul lived most of his early years in the Wausau area. As a youth he was active in the Boy Scouts and an acolyte at St Therese Catholic Church. He graduated from DC Everest in 1959. In high school, Paul played several sports, participated in plays and was on Student Council. Following graduation, he continued his sports and was a player and co-manager of the Wausau Club Baseball team. He attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison, then joined the Army and Wisconsin National Guard for a 6-year term. Paul’s employment was centered around building projects. Whether it was roads or structures, he was involved with many of the construction details. Paul first worked with Owen Ayres and Associates, then the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation from 1984-1991 and finally for Central Wisconsin Engineers as a Project Manager until his retirement. Paul enjoyed traveling and working throughout the state and was known for taking drives in his later years to check out how things had changed from when he worked in that particular location. Paul was also an active member of St Paul’s Catholic Church in Mosinee.

Being in the road construction business gave Paul the opportunity to pursue his greatest love during the winter, downhill skiing. Paul will be best remembered for his love and commitment to teaching others how to downhill ski. In 1966, Paul taught skiing for the first time at Rib Mountain as an entry level instructor. Soon after, he became a Certified Instructor through the Professional Ski Instructor of America program. Throughout the next 50+ years, Paul taught hundreds, if not thousands, of youth and adults the art of downhill skiing. His passion took him to hold instructor and ski school director positions at numerous locations in the Midwest, Massachusetts and even Austria. Paul was instrumental in designing the Youth Ski School at Granite Peak where the program he designed is operating in a similar capacity still today. In addition to teaching others, Paul loved to ski with his family, friends, and fellow ski hill employees. He was proud to say that he was still hitting the slopes even after he turned 80. When you got Paul talking about skiing, the joy it brought him was evident to all.

Paul is survived by his brother, James (Kay) Gehrke of Rhinelander, sister-in-law Merceda Gehrke of Phillips, nieces Dawn (Corey) Weinfurtner, Jamie (James Dewey) Martinson, Angela (Pete) Bauer and nephews Tim (Kim) Gehrke, Heath (Kelli) Gehrke, Todd (Ashley) Gehrke and Sean (Kylene) Gehrke as well as numerous great nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his brother Tom and sister Kathleen.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 A.M., on Friday, May 9, 2025, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Mosinee. The Rev. Aaron Becker will officiate. Burial will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 A.M., until the time of service, all at the church. Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be directed to the family at www.bestefh.com.