Philip E. Gerhard, 84

September 8, 2011

Philip E. Gerhard, 84, of Henderson, Neb., formerly of Weatherly, died Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011, in Henderson. 

He was born Aug. 6, 1927, in Hudsondale, a son of the late Robert Jonas and Florence (Smith) Gerhard.

Aug. 27, 1955, in Weatherly, he married Miriam A. Richie, who preceded him in death.

Mr. Gerhard obtained an associate’s degree in animal husbandry from Penn State. A World War II veteran, he was a longtime dairy farmer in Pennsylvania before obtaining his master blaster certificate in explosives.

He was an active member of the First Church of God in Punxsutawney, where he taught Sunday School, was active in the Living Christmas Tree Committee and enjoyed his family and gardening after a long days work.

At the time of his death, he was a member of the Faith Evangelical Bible Church in Henderson.

Surviving relatives include a daughter, Beth Burnham and husband Sumner W. Burnham III of Henderson; two grandchildren, Rebecca Shafer and Aaron Philip Joseph Shafer; a sister, Helen Doleiden of Middlesex, N.J.; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by six brothers and two sisters.

A funeral service was held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2011, at the Faith Evangelical Bible Church in Henderson with the Rev. Michael Fink officiating.

Military graveside services followed in the F.E.B.C. Cemetery, south of Henderson.

Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society or to Operation Blessing.

Arrangements were under the direction of Metz Mortuary, York, Neb.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.metzmortuary.com.