Richard M. Gebhart, 82, passed away Monday, November 30, 2015 at his rural Elkton home. Richard Mathias Gebhart was born December 24, 1932 at Elkton, SD to George Sr. and Margaret (Lanners) Gebhart. He attended country school at rural Elkton through the 8th grade. Richard attended Dell Rapids St. Mary’s all four years of high school. He was a starter for a successful Dells St. Mary’s basketball team. After high school, Richard was drafted during the Korean War. After returning home, Richard continued farming on the family farm where he remained until his death. Richard was very involved in his nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews activities. Richard was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Elkton and the Elkton Knights of Columbus. He loved reading, dancing, sports, horseshoes, pinochle, and had a love for John Deere Tractors. Richard’s biggest joy was children. He was known as the fun uncle.
Richard is survived by his sister Isabelle Short, brother George (Anastasia) Gebhart, brother-in-law Francis VanSambeek, 36 nieces and nephews and many great and great-great-nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, Joe, John, Felix, Leo, Ed, three sisters, Mary, Margaret, Theresa, and two nieces.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 4, 2015 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, Elkton, with burial in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation is 5 – 7 p.m. Thursday at the church with a 7 p.m. scripture service. Condolences may be left at Skroch Funeral Home.