George J. Gebhart, 89, of Elkton, passed away Saturday, June 11, 2016 at Brookings Health System just 23 days shy of his 90 ^th birthday. George John Gebhart was born July 4, 1926 to George and Margaret (Lanners) Gebhart at their rural Elkton home. George attended country school at rural Elkton through 8 ^th grade and then helped his father on the family farm. On January 3, 1952 he was united in marriage to Anastasia Maher at St. Williams Catholic Church in Aurora, SD. In 1960 George went to work for Farmers Union Co-op in Flandreau, SD where he drove the LP gas truck and the crop sprayer. George retired in 1988 and during his retirement years George worked for several area farmers. At the age of 69 he started his own business "George's Small Engine Repair" after receiving his degree from "Oley-Beisaw Institute." His wife preceded him in death January 13, 2016. George was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Elkton. In 2013 George and Anastasia were named honorary referees for the annual Vince Relays. George loved to dance, play pinochle, throw horseshoes and he lived life to the fullest. Every Sunday after church was a celebration on the farm with many family and friends. The largest celebration was every 4 ^th of July to celebrate his birthday. He was very innovative and known for his many original creations.

George is survived by nine children, Dee (Scott) Narragon, Brookings; Theresa (David) Wolf, Dell Rapids; Jean (Monte) Petersen, Colton; Tom (Regina) Gebhart, Elkton; Ervin (Lisa) Gebhart, Elkton; Everett (Joan) Gebhart, Sioux Falls; Leonard Gebhart, Elkton; Dorothy (Jim) Tipton, Plankinton; and Irene (Mark) Middleton, Grand Rapids, MI; 30 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren, sister Isabelle Short, sisters-in-law, Mary (Larry) Price, Donna (Tom) Dunklin, brothers-in-law, Francis Van Sambeek, George Maher, and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. George was preceded in death by his wife Anastasia, grandson Patrick Middleton, his parents, brothers, Joe, Leo, Felix, John, Ed, and Richard, and sisters, Mary, Margaret and Theresa.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 17, 2016 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, Elkton. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, June 16, 2016 with a 7:00 p.m. Liturgical Wake Service at the church. Arrangements by Skroch Funeral Chapel, Elkton.