Gerald "Jerry" Paske

gerald paske

September 21, 1933 ~ November 9, 2023

To send a floral arrangement, please call our locations:
East Wichita: (316) 682-4553 | West Wichita: (316) 773-4553

Gerald “Jerry” Paske was born in Wassau, Wisconsin to Herman and Helen Paske. He was the youngest of their 5 children. Born at home and extremely premature, Jerry spent his first few months nestled in a cigar box by the family stove. In early childhood Jerry spent afternoons walking the local train tracks in search of fallen coal from passing railroad cars. As a child of the Great Depression, even the youngest family members needed to contribute to the family’s upkeep. With few other economic options, after high school Jerry enlisted in the Navy and served in the Korean War. Following his term of service Jerry used the GI bill to enroll in the University of Wisconsin (UW). There he discovered an affinity for philosophy, ultimately obtaining a PhD. At UW Jerry also met and married his first wife - Donna Lee Kroeger. The marriage yielded 3 daughters and lasted for over 20 years.Upon graduation the young family moved to Walla Walla, Washington where Jerry taught in the philosophy department of Whitman College. Several years later the family relocated to Wichita, Kansas where Jerry accepted a professorship in the philosophy department at Wichita State University (WSU). Jerry remained at WSU until retirement, and was instrumental in pioneering the study of medical ethics. He also published a number of philosophical works and appeared on local TV and radio shows, notably speaking out against the Vietnam war.Jerry and Donna ultimately divorced but remained amicable. Several years later Jerry met and married his second wife - Donna Larson. That union lasted until Donna’s death in 2014.After retirement Jerry spent his remaining years immersed in books and quiet contemplation. He died peacefully following a brief illness.Jerry is survived by his three daughters, Brenda Paske, Sandra Ross, and Mara Gordon, 4 grandchildren, and 1 great granddaughter. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and numerous former students.Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Photo Gallery

Guestbook

  1. Poem for my Dad

    No one thinks ahead
    To those final days of
    An old man napping in the sun
    He who stormed the barricades
    Is resting now, the battle won

    The distant day’s parade
    Lies littered in the dust
    He stands behind, bewildered
    It’s slipped away, all rust

    The book is closed
    The wine is drunk
    The sun spins to the dark
    All his merry yesterdays
    Heaped cold upon the hearth

    Don’t look for bright reunion
    Beyond some transit gate
    He had his heaven here
    He didn’t have to wait

  2. Sorry for your lost I remember I attended one of his class in Wichita I was very impressed ,he was very kind and remarkable man I miss him very much.
    Hossein zardoshtian .

  3. Fair winds and following seas sailor. “Boatswain… Standby to pipe the side… Shipmate’s going Ashore…” Thank you Gerald for your service to this nation. U.S. Navy, Korean War.

  4. I only took one class from Jerry, a course on ethics and animals. He played an important role in shaping how I approach the topic; he wouldn’t let you get way with superficial or unclear reasoning. Philosophical ethics became my own career, and I’m very grateful for his mentorship.


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle