John Frank Gehrt

John Frank Gehrt, 59, of rural Alma, Kansas, passed away Monday, March 25, 2013 at his home. John was born June 22, 1953 in Manhattan, Kansas, the son of Norman C. and Gertrude A. (Beckmann) Gehrt. He grew up on the farm in rural Alma and graduated from Alma High School in 1971. After high school John attended Kansas State University where he graduated with a degree in Animal Science in 1975. On February 12, 1977 in Alma, Kansas, John was united in marriage to Jennifer Haller. She survives of the home. John was a lifelong rancher and business owner where he owned and operated Gehrt Construction since 1992. He was a member of the K-State Alumni Association, Land Improvement Contractors Association, Kansas Livestock Association and a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of McFarland, Kansas. John was also a past president of USD 329 school board and a past president for the Wabaunsee County Historical Society for 10 years. He was involved with St. John P.T.L. and school board and was a third generation Wabaunsee Township board member. He was also actively involved in local and Kansas Farm Bureau. John enjoyed anything related to the outdoors including hunting and going to the lake. He was an avid card player and sports fan and enjoyed coaching his children in youth sports. Most importantly John loved spending time with his family. John is also survived by one son: Jesse Gehrt and wife Emily of rural Alma, KS; two daughters: Jacqueline Gehrt of McPherson, KS and Joni Wenderott and husband Grady of rural Alma, KS; one brother: James Gehrt and wife Mary of Alma, KS; one sister: Deborah Hart and husband William of Brandon, FL and two grandsons: Wyatt and Holden Gehrt. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother: Thomas and one sister: Rebecca. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 28, 2013, at Trinity Lutheran Church in McFarland. Burial will follow at McFarland Lutheran Cemetery. He will lie in-state beginning at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday with a visitation from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. all at the Trinity Lutheran Church, McFarland. Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church, Wabaunsee County Historical Society or the St. John Lutheran School and may be left in care of the Stewart Funeral Home, PO Box 126, Alma, KS 66401.