Howard Gebhardt

H oward G ebhardt passed away at his home in North Platte, Nebraska, on July 9, 2022, the day of his 97th birthday.

Howard, the son of John and Emma Gebhardt, was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, on July 9, 1925. When he was 16 years old the family moved to Hastings where Howard graduated from high school.

In 1943 Howard was drafted into the U.S. Navy where he served 2 years, 5 months and 21 days in the South Pacific on LSM #2 as a radar man. He also participated in an invasion to liberate the Philippines and an invasion of Okinawa. Howard was proud to have been aboard the LSM #2 when it was commissioned and sent to the South Pacific, and was still on aboard when it was brought back home after the war to be decommissioned. Howard is a part of "our greatest generation" who proudly served our country during W.W.II.

Following his honorable discharge in 1946, Howard returned to Nebraska and was united in marriage to Ruth Hofferber in Norfolk on March 6, 1949. They were blessed with 73 years of marriage and four daughters.

After receiving an auditors position in the insurance business the Gebhardts moved to Memphis, TN, where two daughters were born. Three years later they returned to Nebraska where Howard worked for USF&G Insurance Company in Omaha. They welcomed two more daughters and lived in Omaha for 26 years.

Howard and Ruth moved to North Platte in 1977. Here Howard continued working in insurance and stayed busy volunteering and being involved with various organizations and his church. He was a supporter of Boy Scout Troop #291 and was a member of V.F.W. Post #1504, P.R. Halligan Post #163 American Legion, and Cooties. He was an Admiral in the Nebraska Navy, Past Commander of the V.F.W., helped organize Wreaths Across America for Fort McPherson National Cemetery, served on the North Platte Veteran's Honor Guard, and drove veterans to the hospital and VA home in Grand Island. Howard was recognized with the Cody Scout Award and just before his passing he received the Cootie of the Year Award. He was always willing to help others, especially those who had served.

Howard was also a member and deacon at First Presbyterian Church and a volunteer with the food pantry. He was an active member of Platte Valley Lodge #32 AF&AM and the North Platte Shrine Club where he served in many different positions. If there was something to sell to help the organizations, Howard was there to help!

In his free time, Howard enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and collecting. He collected coins, stamps, ducks and beer mugs. He was also a fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the Cornhuskers. Howard will be remembered for his love of family and his country, and kindness to others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Emma; his daughter, Ann Stearns; granddaughter, Rachel; and his sisters, Margaret and Marian.

Howard is survived by his loving wife, Ruth. He was so proud of being a part of a five generation family which includes his daughters, Susan Matousek of Omaha, Jane Sullivan of Valley and Sharon James of Omaha; grandchildren, Kim, Jason (Dianne), Eric, Jeff (Nikki), Randall (Meaghan) and Christina (Angela); great-grandchildren, Kelcee (Zach), Lynzee (Kyle), Justin, Brenden, Brienna and Brayden; great great-grandchildren, Collin, Aurora and Ethan; sisters, Jenni Aley and Phyllis Etling; and other family.

Services with Masonic Rites and military honors will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Emily McCreery officiating. Cremation was chosen and inurnment will be at a later date in the Omaha National Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed online at odeanchapel.com, prior to services at the church or at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the North Platte Shrine Transportation Fund or Boy Scout Troop #291.