Howard Gebhardt Obituary Our Heavenly Father called Howard M. Gebhardt home on June 23, 2015. Howard was born on September 5, 1920, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Michael and Clara Hansen Gebhardt. If it is possible to define a man by what he loved, Howard loved and served the Good Lord, his family, and his country with vigor and diligence. Howard was Missouri Synod Lutheran all of his adult life. He served in many roles in Redeemer Lutheran Church in Sioux City, including as the president of the congregation. He was involved in building the present facility, served as a long time choir member and usher, and participated in the church's annual German Dinner, which local residents had enjoyed for many years. He also ministered to the less fortunate members of the community by distributing dairy products from government supported nutrition programs and preparing taxes for nursing home residents. Howard's love for the members of his family was apparent every day. A particularly doting father and grandfather, he was totally generous whenever a member was in need. For example, he would often travel hundreds of miles to help with a sickness, a new birth, or a household project. He made doll houses and miniature hobby horses for his grandchildren. And you could never win an argument with him about who would pay for dinner. As a member of our nation's warrior class, Howard loved the freedoms and opportunities in America. He defended our nation by serving in World War II as a pilot in the China-Burma-India Theater. He flew supplies to the front lines of battle and returned wounded soldiers needing medical attention to military surgical units behind those lines. Interestingly, while piloting his aircraft near Rome Army Air Field in New York, Howard suffered a gunshot wound to his head from ground-in his own country! He prevented a mid-air collision with two other aircraft and avoided any further injuries or property damage on the ground. The United States Air Force recognized Howard's heroism with a very belated award of the Meritorious Service Medal in 2005. H.M., a special nickname used by his closest family members, had numerous talents, which enabled him to experience a full life that touched many people in a positive and caring manner. As a youth, he enjoyed stamp collecting, model trains, and table tennis. His interests later turned to woodworking, boating, golf, barbequing, home repairs, and journeying to visit his children and grandchildren. Howard's stamina in being able to drive his cars for endless hours at a time was a remarkable hallmark-whether on the job or on vacation. No doubt his extraordinary capacity contributed to his success in two careers that required considerable automotive travel. After serving as the Hospital Administrator for the Lutheran Hospital, he was a pharmaceutical sales representative for Smith, Kline, & French Laboratories. He made sales calls on medical doctors, hospitals, and clinics throughout rural Iowa, South Dakota, and Nebraska. H.M. retired after 25 years and became a background investigator for Equifax for two decades. This job required frequent visits to review legal documents in numerous county courthouses scattered across the three states. Howard is survived by the love of his life, his wife Elaine. They had celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary in May. God blessed them with many family members, including three children-Michael and his wife Lynn, Joel and his wife Karen, and Carol and her husband Jim; six grandchildren-Matt, David, Stephanie and her husband Chris, Britt and her husband Kasey, Diane, and Kevin; and two great grandchildren-Lydia and Therese. Howard had survived his parents and his sister, Lois Reilly, who had lived in Cape Coral, Florida. Howard and Elaine were both lifelong Sioux City residents. In late 2011, health concerns required them to seek a retirement community that would be compatible with their changing lifestyles. They chose Mason Christian Village (MCV) in Mason, Ohio, near Carol and her family. Howard's funeral with military honors was held at MCV on June 26, 2015. In lieu of flowers, please send a contribution to your favorite charity or to Redeemer Lutheran Church in Sioux City. Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant!
To order
memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Howard M. Gebhardt, please visit our
flower store.
