John H. Gebhardt — Hansen-Spear

John H. Gebhardt, 78, of Quincy, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 8:02 a.m. in Blessing Hospital.

Born on March 18, 1946, in Monroe, WI, John was the beloved son of Ernest and Mary Bowers Gebhardt. A 1964 graduate of Argyle High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Technical Agriculture with a minor in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville, and later completed a Master of Science in Educational Media. On October 12, 1968, he married Betty Miller in Maquoketa, IA. Betty survives him.

John proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. After seven years of active duty and 24 years in the Reserves-largely with the Combat Camera Command-he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. In addition, he served as an admissions liaison officer to the Air Force Academy and ROTC, and he frequently volunteered at high school career days to encourage students to consider military service.

After his military career, John worked as a photographer and as Director of Instructional Technology and Telecommunications at John Wood Community College until his retirement.

Deeply committed to his community, John was a dedicated member of the Gem City Breakfast Kiwanis, serving as both president and division lieutenant governor, and he was honored with the Amador & Hixson award. He received the Dr. Luis V. Amador Medallion Award in 2008. He received the Richard Walz Distinguished Service Award for the year 2011-12. He received the George F. Hixson Fellowship in 2019. He was the person who enabled us to meet during COVID by setting up and managing ZOOM, which he continued until yesterday. He also served as a past commander of American Legion Post 37 and as secretary/treasurer of the Reserve Organization of American 35. His public service included work on the Veterans Home Advisory Board and as a Quincy Park Board Commissioner (1997-2000). During this time, his passion for preserving local heritage led him to co-found the Friends of the Log Cabins on Quinsippi Island, where he served as President. An avid classic car enthusiast, John was a member of the Mississippi Valley Historic Auto Club and served on the board of the Antique Auto Museum. He also dedicated time as an RSVP volunteer. Beyond his professional and community commitments, John cherished photography and gardening-actively participating in the community garden at the Lincoln Jackson Pool and generously sharing his harvest with friends, family, and local organizations.

John is survived by his wife, Betty Miller; his two brothers, Ernest Gebhardt, Jr. of Monroe, WI, and Rudy (Linda) Gebhardt of Argyle, WI; nine nieces and nephews-Carl (Diane) Gebhardt, Jr., Anita (Al) Berghold, Susan (Brian) MacWilliams, Amy (Todd) Burkhalter, Paul (Lori) Gebhardt, David (Laura) Gebhardt, Sarah (Andy) Reister, Keith Gebhardt, and Tracy (Josh) Towne; 14 great-nieces and great-nephews; and his sister-in-law, Ruth Gebhardt of Alamogordo, NM. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Carl E. Gebhardt, Sr., and his sister-in-law, Beverly Gebhardt.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 6:30 p.m. that same day, with military honors provided by the United States Air Force Funeral Honors Detail. Interment will take place at a later date in Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Community Foundation of the Quincy Area for the Friends of the Log Cabins Endowment Fund or the Gem City Breakfast Kiwanis. Donations can be made online at: https://memorials.hansenspear.com/.

Arrangements are being handled by Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors. For more information, please visit www.hansenspear.com.