Paul Gerhardt Warnke

Paul Warnke lived a wonderful hunky-dory eighty-one years of life and at the end was surrounded by his family and loving wife Valerie of sixty-two years in the home that he helped build nearly fifty years prior. He embraced outdoor life and had great pride in all things local. His connections with Trinity Lutheran Church and School were especially cherished, as he loved having the opportunity to foster forward future generations, aiding in the construction of their pre-school, middle school, and on-going maintenance as well. Paul was born to Pastor Hugo Warnke and devoted-mother Martha Warnke in Beaver Dam, WI and spent his early years cultivating moxie by attending eight different schools in new communities with his brother William Warnke(predeceased) and favorite sisters (and partners in crime) Ann Prentice & Loretta Campbell. Known by the moniker Picky Paul, he had a precise temperature for foods and drinks, specific produce quality requirements, all accompanied by a generous sprinkling of salt and butter. Never on time, he fortunately paired this character trait with commutes involving his love of fast cars. His favorite memories were the caring service and hi-jinks he shared with his colleagues over thirty-four years as a California Highway Patrol officer, retiring as Sergeant in the SLO office. He loved science fiction and fantasy books which helped build his story telling skills used to recall his most memorable hunting, fishing, and golf moments. His favorite retirement memories included motorcycle trips with his law enforcement and other buddies, meeting friends annually at Quartzsite sharing CHP and family stories, re-enacting Dumb and Dumber, listening with his eyes closed, and retiree lunches with the local boys disguised as golf outings. Finally, he treasured most being Dad to Julie (& Tom) Vichot and David (& Tiffany) Warnke and Papa to Garrett Vichot, Caroline Vichot, Samantha Warnke, Nathaniel Warnke and Joshua Warnke – kindred spirits who he taught the most vital of life’s lessons: family photos with bunny ears, torturing loved ones with police holds, late nights, never having vegetables touch your meats/entrees, hoarding candy, and buying Icees. We love you Papa, Jesus keep you, rest easy now.

Celebration of life begins at 10:30AM on

October 14th at Trinity Lutheran Church in

Paso Robles, CA.

Family asks in lieu of flowers, please consider donations to either Trinity Lutheran Church and School (Paso Robles) or New Life K9’s.