Obituaries
Joseph L. Gehrman
May 21, 1931 - September 21, 2021
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VISITATION
September 24, 2021 | 9:00 A.M. to 10:15 A.M. - Yurs Funeral Home St Charles
- Funeral
- September 24, 2021 | 10:30 A.M.
- St. Patrick Catholic Church 400 Cedar Street, St Charles
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Burial Location
Prairie Cemetery
Obituary-
Joseph Leo Gehrman (1931-2021) is survived by his wife Janice of 63 years; sons Michael and Frank; grandchildren Laura Gehrman, Diana (Joe) Spann, Linda (Mikey) Sistek and the first great grandchild who is on the way, Kyle Gehrman. He was the oldest of a family six children. Maureen (Ernest) Capaldo, John (Mary Carol) Gehrman, Joan Gehrman, Kathleen (Joseph) Francis, Robert “Pat” (Margaret) Gehrman.
Joseph Leo Gehrman was born May 21,1931 to Gabriel and Nora Gehrman in Chicago, Illinois.
As a teenager he worked at the local public library. After high school Joe entered the Air Force (Korean War) and was honorably discharged as an Airman First Class in 1953. He attended St. Brendan’s Elementary School, St. Rita High School, Chicago Teachers College, DePaul University and University of Illinois for his doctorate degree in Educational Administration and Supervision. He was also a member of Kappa Delta Pi fraternity.
After graduating from college, Joe married Janice Garvie and they enjoyed a great life together for 63 years. They bought their first home in Melrose Park, later moved to Carol Stream, and eventually to Saint Charles, Illinois. Their family has enjoyed vacations at their condo in Carlsbad, California, and a timeshare on Coronado Island. Joe and Janice also traveled to many states including Alaska and Hawaii. They traveled throughout Europe with the Bod Squad exercise group. They went on Viking River cruises and Trafalgar bus tours. They also spent vacations at the Wisconsin Dells with the grandchildren.
Joe then began his career teaching elementary school science and judging science fairs. Later he became principal of three Chicago schools (kindergarten-eighth grade); Ryder, Patrick Henry, and Matthew Henson which included an early childhood center (Dr. G). He was respected and dedicated to his career until his retirement.
Joe enjoyed his retirement golfing, singing in the choir of Saint Patrick church, attending operas, traveling, reading, and being a member of The American Legion. He wrote poetry, as well as textbooks that were used in public schools. He leaves behind wonderful friends and relatives and leaves us this message.
The Cycle of Life
I stand here before
Life’s hidden door,
The one that stands in mist
At our birth and will exist
All through life,
Becoming closer as we meet
The changes we encounter and defeat
Or are defeated as we proceed.
Now is the moment
We must confront
The door to eternity
Stands open before me,
And I must now walk on.
By,
Joseph L. Gehrman
Visitation will be on Friday, September 24th at 9 AM at Yurs Funeral Home at 405 East Main Street St. Charles, Illinois. Religious service to follow at St. Patrick Church at 400 Cedar Street St. Charles, Illinois at 10:30 AM.
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Condolences
Jacqueline Childs from Dublin, CA
"Dear Jan and family I will miss Joe so much. We have been friends for 48 years and share many wonderful memories together. Now he and Hal are in heaven playing golf and sharing laughs. God Bless you all❤️🙏"
Dan Ives from Green Valley, AZ
"Uncle Joe May the Good Lord take you into his sacred arms and Welcome you into his Heavenly Kingdom to spend eternity in perfect happiness in his most holy presence."
John Guastaferro from Anaheim, CA
"Uncle Joe, it was the highlight of last year to visit with you and Aunt Janice in Carlsbad. Family is powerful, and I consider myself so blessed to have shared family time with you.Thank you for sharing your heroism, grace, poetic words, and power of character we should all aspire to.Rest In Peace, in God’s name. 🙏❤️Love, John and family Love, Diane (my mom) Love, Jim from heaven above"
Carol Glow from Kankakee, IL
"The Sailor Sailing through oceans of time and space. Calm seas, stormy skies with dignity. Grace. Ships wither, sails decay. Rot. The immortal soul within will not. Eternal life; the course plotted. A chart. Onward home dear sailor. Follow His heart. God Bless you Uncle Joe, C. A. Glow"
Christopher Ives from Arvada, CO
"Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him may his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace Amen. Inis vitae sed non amoiris!"
Don and Sue Sistek from Forsyth, MO
"Jan, We wish you God's blessings and comfort on Joe's passing. Know that he is with his Lord and Savior. Our sincerest condolences to all of the family."
Rom & Chiquta Porter from Romeoville , IL
"I became Dr. Gehrman’s secretary in 1986. It was always a pleasure to talk to him at the end of the day after everyone has left the building. He always wanted to know my thoughts about what had occurred because I was supposed to be his eyes and ears while he was doing the important principal duties. He made me feel valuable and he listened to my opinions. He was a wonderful leader. Over the last three years I have had the pleasure of getting to know the beautiful and gracious Mrs. Gehrman. It has been a joy to know the Gehrman family and we are blessed to have been a part of their lives. Rest In Peace Boss🙏🏾"
Carmen Gomez from Chicago , IL
"Dr. Gehrman was someone whom I greatly admired for his professionalism and leadership skills. I was blessed to have him as my first official administrator. He was always positive and had a friendly disposition. Rest In Peace, Dr. Gehrman."
Caroline and John Craun from Kansas City, MO
"Dearest Jan, thank you for letting us know of Joe's passing. We've been blessed to spend the family time we've had with you in Kansas City. Sending so much love and remembering all of you in prayers. Caroline and John"