Gerald “Gerry” C. Gebhardt Jr. (1943-2024)

Gerald “Gerry” C. Gebhardt Jr. passed away Saturday, June 29, 2024. He was born on Nov. 5, 1943, in Clay Center, Kan., to Gerald C. “Jack” Gebhardt, Sr. and Clara (Mitchell) Gebhardt. Gerry grew up in Wheaton, Kan., graduating from Wheaton High School in 1961.

Gerry earned his B.S. in elementary education from Emporia State University in 1966. Later that year he moved to Kanopolis with his wife, Judy, beginning his 39-year career in education, teaching and coaching in Kanopolis. Gerry carried on the tradition of Gebhardt Harvesting and enjoyed custom harvesting for most of his life.

Gerry was a member of the Ellsworth Methodist Church. He served as a city councilman in Kanopolis and was a member of the Kanopolis Men’s Club.

Gerry is survived by his wife of 60 years, Judy; daughter Ginger (Dale) Wooten; son Mitch (Angie) Gebhardt; granddaughters Tiffany Lowe (Terrence) and Katie See (Mike); grandsons Shay Wooten (Lindy), Jaxson Gebhardt, Luke Gebhardt, Jacob Gebhardt and Grady Gebhardt; as well as eight great-grandchildren. Gerry was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Clara, and his sister Dixie Kufahl.

Visitation will be at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, Tuesday, July 2, from 1-8 p.m. with family members receiving visitors from 4-6 p.m. A private family burial will be held Wednesday morning, July 3, at Kanopolis Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life at 11 a.m. at Ellsworth Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Kanopolis Fire Department or Ellsworth Methodist Church c/o Parsons Funeral Home, P.O. Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439. Condolences can be left at parsonsfh.com.