Obituary of Richard Gebhardt

RICHARD ALLEN GEBHARDT Richard Allen Gebhardt, 80, passed away on April 10, 2014, surrounded by his family. Richard was born November 2nd, 1933, in Sterling. He is the son of Kenneth and Elizabeth (Rienstra) Gebhardt. They preceded him in death. Richard married Nancy R. Snavely on July 4th, 1954, at the First Presbyterian Church, Sterling. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year. The couple had two daughters. Richard's family meant the world to him and he worked hard to teach his children and grandchildren the value of hard work and determination. Richard graduated from Sterling High School in 1953. His first job was at National Manufacturing in Sterling. Richard served in the Army from 1956 until 1958. When he returned to Sterling, he owned and operated the Phillips 66 gas station. His next adventure was owning the liquor store. He became the manager of Blain's Farm and Fleet in 1967, retiring in 1987 after 20 years of service. In his retirement, Richard was elected as Sterling Township Road Commissioner. He served as a Trustee for Sterling Township before he was elected as Sterling Township Supervisor. He was also elected to the Whiteside County Board, retiring from public service in 2008. Richard was a member of Masonic Lodge #602 in Sterling, the York Rites of Freeport, and the Shriners. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sterling, where he was an ordained elder. Richard enjoyed attending weekly Sterling Municipal Band concerts in the park, having coffee at The Precinct, and playing at the park with his great-grandchildren. Those left to honor his memory include his wife Nancy, of Sterling. His daughters and their spouses, Lori (Richard) Davidson of Milledgeville and Diane (Patrick) Mertens of Devils Lake, North Dakota. Four grandchildren: Lindsay (Steve) Ebersole of Chadwick, Tyler (Sarah) VanDeVelde of Jamestown, ND, Katie Mertens (Warren Thomas) of Devils Lake, ND, and Drew Davidson of Milledgeville. Three great-grandchildren, Lilly and Wyatt Ebersole and Peyton Mertens. Three beloved brothers: Ray and Fred of Sterling and Jim (Janet) of Columbia, MO, and several, nieces and nephews.