Kenneth Gebhardt

Kenneth “Ray” Gebhardt 89 of Sterling Illinois passed away December 23, 2023. Ray was born October 16, 1934, the son of Kenneth F. and Elizabeth (Reinstra) in Sterling Illinois.

Ray graduated from Sterling High School Class of 1954. He was a great athlete participating in track as a pole vaulter and his greatest passion Basketball. He met his future wife Nancy Kosier in High School. Nancy and Ray were married on November 28th, 1954 in Sterling. Ray served in the United States Army. After serving in the Army, he returned to Illinois where he worked at Del Monte Foods for a short time. Then moving to Indiana and worked at Chrysler plant. In 1968 he moved his family back to Sterling IL where he worked for various trucking companies in management. He retired from Dohrn Transfer Co. in 1996. Ray was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and found great joy attending his grandson’s and great grandson’s sporting events. He will always be remembered for his love of sweets and desserts.

Ray is survived by his two children, Le-Anne (Gary) Nye of Chadwick and Craig (Kim) Gebhardt of Sterling. Grandson’s Jarod (Corinne) Nye, Joshua (Carrie Rowland) Nye, Trent (Katelyn) Gebhardt all of Milledgeville and Troy (Renae Mann) Boutin of Graham, Washington. Great Grandchildren Connor, Spencer & Bramley Nye, Alyssa (Cole) Barringer, Cody and Travis Ebens, Brantley, Brielle, and Breslyn Gebhardt. He leaves behind two brothers, Jim (Janet) Gebhardt, and Fred Gebhardt, Sister-in-Law Nancy Gebhardt and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years Nancy, his brother Richard Gebhardt, his infant granddaughter Amy Nye and his parents. There will be a graveside service held at Oak Knoll Cemetery on Saturday, December 30th at 11AM. All family and friends are welcome to attend the graveside service.

A memorial has been established.