Ernest Armine Gebhard

Ernest Armine Gebhard, age 88, passed away on Monday, June 19, 2023, at Gunderson Boscobel Area Hospital. He was born on August 10, 1934, in Marion Township; the son of Henry and Bertha (Freymiller) Gebhard. Ernest attended Anderson Mill School and one year of Fennimore High School. Ernest served two years in the Army during peace time. He served from November 1956 to November 1958 and was stationed in both Texas and Germany. Due to his brother being in the service, he and his brother and father farmed two farms. He worked for Conley Cut Cheese factory hauling canned milk. He also worked for Hiram Walker, cutting whiskey kegs, and Al Oman Plumbing. Ernest worked for Milk Specialties for over 30 years before retiring. Ernest always had a passion for farming and continued doing so until selling the farm to his sons. Even after selling the farm, he continued his love of the land through vegetable gardening.

Ernest married Donna Mae Ariss on June 2, 1960, at the Marion UCC Church, where they were still members. They were married for 63 wonderful years. Through this marriage, Ernest and Donna were blessed with 4 children: Rebecca (Terry) Ritter, Dixie Keepers, Ernest L. Gebhard, and Gene (Tomi Ann) Gebhard. 

He is further survived by 6 grandchildren: William and Matthew Ritter, Drew Keepers, and Autumn, Katherine, and Kaci Gebhard; 3 great grandchildren: Benjamin, Jonathon, and Maggie Ritter; siblings, Naomi Maly and Duane Gebhard; sister in-law, Vivian (Terrance) Thomas, brother in-law, Paul (Victoria) Kitelinger; godson, Bradley Gebhard, and caregiver, Audrey Ariss. He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Gerald and Chris Gebhard; mother and father in-law,Wilma and Orene Larson; brothers and sisters in-law: Darlene Gebhard, Suzanne Gebhard, Leo Nockerts, Charles Maly, LaVonne Gebhard, and Judy Kitelinger; niece, Terrie Rosauer; and great nephews, Charles and Ryan Rosauer.