Stephen E. Gebhardt

Stephen E. Gebhardt, 77, of Kankakee, passed away Monday, July 29, 2024, at Riverside Medical Center. He was born July 17, 1947, in St. Louis, Missouri the son of Edward M. and Evelyn (Themer) Gebhardt. Stephen served in the United States Airforce, was a volunteer firefighter for Limestone Fire Protection District, and a paramedic. On June 17, 1967, he married Carolyn Nelson at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Kankakee. He retired from the Illinois Department of Corrections after 23 years. Stephen was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Kankakee. He was very involved and volunteered with the Limestone Fire Department for 30 + years. He was also president of the Limestone Fire Department Fireman’s Association. Stephen enjoyed camping, westerns, and he was an avid reader. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Carolyn Gebhardt of Kankakee; children, Kenneth (Tammy) Gebhardt of Bonfield, Richard (Kiffany) Gebhardt of Erie, CO, and Jean Marie Gebhardt of Kankakee; grandchildren, Jordan Riekan, Christopher Gebhardt, Jessica Gebhardt, Kayla (Wade) Gebhardt- Brooks, and Sofia Rueda; great grandchildren, Eric Blanton and Sylvia Riekan. Stephen is preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be held Friday, August 2, 2024, at Jensen Funeral Home, Kankakee from 4 p.m. until the funeral service at 7 p.m. with Pastor Karl Koeppen officiating. Burial will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 10:30 am. Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family.