Donald J. Gebhart
Donald Joseph Gebhart, 83, of Chilton, died on Thursday, September 28, 2017, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 19, 1934, son of Otto and Marie (Hoffmann) Gebhart. On January 19, 1963, he married Ellen Schmeiser and together they raised two children.
Donald had a passion for farming and loved the work he did as a dairy farmer. That work only stopped during the time he served his country in the Army. He proudly put in many labor intensive days on the farm and often stated, “A hard day’s work never hurt anybody.” He bartended for several years at the Altona supper club, but when he did have free time, Donald loved playing Sheepshead while enjoying an old-fashion or bottle of Pabst. He enjoyed raising vegetables, going to casinos, playing along with Jeopardy, and he loved the Packers and Brewers. He was a member of the Good Shepherd Catholic Church and was part of the Knights of Columbus. Closer to home, his love was shared with his family and his St. Bernard, Stanley, even if they were getting the “angry finger.” He’s been a wonderful role model to his children and grandchildren.
Donald and Ellen loved going on road trips across the United States with friends or afternoon drives in the countryside checking out the crops and reminiscing about days gone by. His enjoyment of traveling allowed him to show his caring heart – he and Ellen would pack up clothes and journey across the country to give them to those in need. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Donald is survived by his wife, Ellen; his children: Dawn Gebhart and Dean (Sarah) Gebhart; his grandchildren: Nicole and Anna Hickinbotham, Benny and Jonathan McFarlin; and one sister: Dolores (Eloy) Kasper; sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Shirley and Ken Lisowe; and
a special family member: Ron (Ginny) Dorn.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Marie Gebhart; two sisters: Maryann (George) Cullen and Rita (Edward) Schmitz; and a brother: Carl (Margaret) Gebhart.
The family extends a special thank you to Melanie Dohr, RN and the entire staff of Calumet County Home Care and Hospice. Thanks for helping our family truly experience Hospice care at its best. Thanks, too, to the many doctors and medical staff who helped Don and Ellen surpass numerous physical hurdles throughout the past several years.
Funeral services will be on Thursday, October 5, 2017, at 11:30am at the Good Shepherd Catholic Church (54 E. Main St.) in Chilton. Friends may call from 4:00 pm until 7:30 pm on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton, and again at the funeral home from 10:00 am untill 11:00 am on Thursday, October 5, 2017. A vigil service will take place following visitation on Wednesday evening.