Richard H. Gebhart age 87 of Menomonie, passed away on Thursday June 21, 2018 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire.

Dick was born April 15, 1931 in Faulkton, SD.  He was the son of Edward J. and Clara E. (Bauhs) Gebhart.  Dick grew up in Orient, SD, graduating from Orient High School.  He received his bachelor and master’s degrees from Northern State College in Aberdeen, SD and his doctorate from the University of Missouri-Columbia.  Dick served in the U.S. Airforce for three years during the Korean War.  He married Shirley Lusk in 1958 in Aberdeen, SD. 

Dick taught high school in Alexandria and Aberdeen, SD and was a trainer for North American Aviation.  He did research with the American Industry project. Dick taught and was Department Chair in the Technology Education Department at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie for 28 years.  He received numerous awards including teacher of the year.  He was proudest of the impact he had on his students’ future.

After retiring in 1994, Dick and Shirley spent their winter months in Mesa, AZ where they played golf, taught stained glass classes, traveled, enjoyed his children and grandchildren and was always proud of their accomplishments.

Dick is survived by his wife Shirley of 59 years; a daughter, Cheryl (Tom) Latshaw of Ann Arbor, MI, sons, Brian (Barb) of Chaska, MN, Bruce (Jody) of Wayzata, MN; grandchildren, Parker, Grace and Sam Latshaw, Abby & Joe Gebhart, Ally, Nick & Livi Gebhart; two sisters, Geraldine Bowar and Delores Clement, many nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Harold, Francis, Ralph and Donald; sisters, Blanche Haley and Dorothy LeDuc, brothers-in-law, Bill Haley, Ben Bowar, Louis Clement, Jerry LeDuc, Skip Bush; sisters-in-law, Bernadine Gebhart, Delores Gebhart, Phyllis Gebhart, Mildred Gebhart, Beverly Bush, father and mother-in-law, Earl and Esther Lusk.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Tuesday June 26, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Menomonie with Rev. James Kurzynski officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Menomonie Veterans Honor Guard.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to UW-Stout Foundation-Dr. Richard & Shirley Gebhart Training and Development Scholarship; St. Joseph Catholic Church; or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences

1. Scott R. Cabot July 3, 2018, at 5:53pm

   I’m sadend to learn of the passing of Dr. Gebhart. He was a great supporter and mentor during my days at Stout. When I told him I was applying to graduate school he offered me a position as a teaching assistant in the department of industrial teacher education. He was always kind and helpful. I’m old enough now to be able to look back and see who made the greatest impressions on me. He helped set me on my path. He was my professor and friend. He is forever in my thoughts as is his family.

2. Michael and Patricia Lusk June 29, 2018, at 1:51pm

   Sorry to hear of Dick's passing. Have not seen you guys in decades, is seems, but do think of you. Our condolences to you at this sad time.

3. Lynn Bush June 27, 2018, at 7:52pm

   to Aunt Shirley and to Cheryl, Brian, and Bruce

   So very sorry to hear of Uncle Dick's passing. Of course, I will remember you all in my prayers, and I trust that you are finding blessings during this time of mourning his loss and honoring his life.
   Dick was a good man who I always had a great deal of respect for; he was dignified and led a very good life in spite of coming from a very modest beginning --as so many who grew up in South Dakota's Dust Bowl.
   Dick had many talents, especially being a teacher/leader to many. He was a good husband, an excellent father, and I appreciated him as an uncle.
   I'm not sure he ever got over being married to a Bohemian, and I'm not sure that he ever quite understood any of us who were Bohemian --but we accepted him anyway. ;>)

4. Jim & Nancy Bensen June 26, 2018, at 6:08am

   We just learned about Dick's passing this morning. So sorry for all of you. Dick was a terrific educator, had a passion for his work, was a wonderful family man, and a super friend! His memory will be cherished forever!

5. Pam Green and family June 25, 2018, at 3:44pm

   Dear Gebhart family,
   We are so sorry for your loss and we know he will be tremendously missed. Our thoughts are with you. Pam, Mary, Sarah, and Matt along with grandkids Charlie, Tori, and Bella.

6. Doreen Watkins June 25, 2018, at 10:29am

   So sorry for your loss Shirley. I’m out of town on Tuesday but wanted you to know I’m thinking about you. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Doreen

7. Judy and Jim Herr June 25, 2018, at 9:55am

   Shirley, Cheryl, Brain, Bruce and Families,
   Our hearts were filled with sadness after Shirley's call informing us of Dick's death. We recently returned from Ireland where there is a headstone inscribed, "Death leaves a heart ache that no one can steal." Thus, the beauty of a life well-lived is it never dies. It continues to the next generation. We will never lose Dick, even in death. He will continue to be part of every act, thought, and decisions that is made. His love for Shirley, his children, his grandchildren, friends, entertaining, clothing, Cadillacs, and making stain glass will always leave an indelible imprint in our memory. Our thoughts travel with him. With affection and deepest condolences. Judy and Jim Herr

8. Brian Finder June 25, 2018, at 9:34am

   To Richard's family,

   Having Richard for a teacher at UW-Stout was a significant gift from the standpoint of learning his passion for industrial education as well as his extensive materials and processes knowledge. The fact that he taught stained glass crafts during his retirement years is not surprising and thus you can rest assured that his legacy lives on with the numerous people that he touched in this and other ways.

   Please accept my condolences regarding your loss of Richard.

   Brian Finder

9. Bob Meyer June 25, 2018, at 8:58am

   Dick was a wonderful person and one of the first instructors that I had when I came to UW-Stout as a student. I learned a lot from Dick and grew from his mentorship. He was a servant leader who left an indelible imprint on UW-Stout and our programs. The University faculty and staff express our sincere sympathies to Shirley and the rest of the family as well as Dick's many friends!
   Bob Meyer

10. Hurston and Susan June 25, 2018, at 8:52am

    Dear Gebhart Family,

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you. With Love, Hurston and Susan

11. Marni Cercone June 25, 2018, at 8:35am

    Bruce, so sorry for your loss. You and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.

12. Iris and Del Huchulak June 24, 2018, at 9:51pm

    Shirley and Family! Our sincerest condolences. I enjoyed our SSV Golf Social conversations, especially about higher education. Dick was so happy when I told him about my daughter working on her doctorate while teaching at a Vancouver University. He was a true gentleman! Iris

13. Kathy (Gebhart) Buchholz June 24, 2018, at 5:36pm

    Shirley and family, Uncle Dick will be so missed by all the family members that we have all been blessed to have. I will always remember the interesting stories that he told and his special way of relaying them. I hold dear to my heart the family reunions in Orient while I was growing up. Even though they were many years ago, at times it only feels like they were yesterday. These are the memories that we all need to remember of a man who was so intelligent, giving and devoted. God bless all of you and remember the happy times.

    Kathy (Gebhart) Buchholz
    Ralph and Phyllis's daughter

14. Steven Yahr June 24, 2018, at 5:08am

    Dr. Gebhart was an inspiration to those of us aspiring to be Industrial Arts Teachers. He was a kind, gentle soul, and we have carried that caring for students into our teaching. My condolences to his family, he will be missed.

15. Deb Greene June 23, 2018, at 4:20pm

    What a wonderful gentleman & scholar ~ Dick will be dearly missed by all. May your wonderful memories lift you up in the difficult times & bring you Peace. He is at Home & awaits the joyful reunion!

16. Jan Haley Eickhoff June 23, 2018, at 4:13pm

    Shirley and family, We were so sorry to hear of Uncle Dick's death. So many wonderful memories of your visits to Huron and to Mom & Dad's. The many stories shared, and who can forget the dinners we had at The Barn, so much fun. Keep your memories close, let them be a comfort to you in the days ahead. Thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort! Many hugs to all of you.

17. GENE CLEMENT June 23, 2018, at 4:06pm

    SHIRLEY AND FAMILY...SORRY TO HEAR OF DICK'S PASSING...WE TALKED FREQUENTLY THE PAST YEAR AS HE WAS ALWAYS CONCERNED ABOUT HIS "LITTLE SISTER" MY MOTHER DOLORES CLEMENT....AS MY LITTLE SISTER SUZY SAID, WE WILL MISS HIS STORIES ABOUT THE OLD DAYS... REST IN PEACE UNCLE DICK.

18. Fr Tom Clement June 23, 2018, at 1:48pm

    Shirley and family,
    My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief. Remembering well the many trips Dick and your family made to SD. Peace, Fr.Tom

19. Ann & Michael Karst June 23, 2018, at 12:51pm

    Dear Aunt Shirley, Cheryl, Brian & Bruce along with your entire dear family--we send our deepest sympathies. I am so thankful for our time together last summer. As Sue mentioned love hearing Uncle Dick's stories as he was so articulate in sharing humorous stories of our family. Have fond memories of our summers together in
    S.D. Uncle Dick always had a project that he would take care of while you visited. We pray over the repose of the soul of Uncle Dick and pray over each you during this sad but also joyful time--joy in knowing that Uncle Dick is being cradled in the loving arms of Christ.
    Christ's peace--Ann, Michael, Elizabeth, Megan & Ashley

20. Gayle and Annie Kvistad June 23, 2018, at 11:47am

    You may not remember us but our paths crossed many times in SSV as we are in Golf I and Couple's Golf. Our thoughts and prayers are with you; Dick was certainly an amazing person who touched many lives. He will be missed.

21. Ione McKelvey June 23, 2018, at 5:21am

    Shirl, and family. Was so sorry to hear about Dick's passing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your wonderful family.

22. Sue DeGeest June 22, 2018, at 9:38pm

    Sending Condolences to Aunt Shirley and the family. Uncle Dick will be remembered for his trips to Orient to spend time with Mom. We loved to listen to his stories and witty comments! My kids loved to go to Grandmas when he was there to hear his stories....Rest in Peace Uncle Dick!
    Sue,Bob,Steven and Kirsten
    DeGeest

23. Rita Lusk June 22, 2018, at 6:10pm

    So sorry to hear of your loss. Not a fun time, but certainly can relate at the momient. Hang in there. Reeember the good times and all the valuables your Dad taught you along the way .... as strict as he was all because he cared and, guess what, he knew what he was talking about!
    We will all miss him. Will be thinking about you over the weekend and on Tuesday.
    Hang in there!

    Love, Rita

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