Joseph L. "Joe" Gelhar

Joseph L. "Joe" Gelhar, age 66 of Hastings, died suddenly but peacefully at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis on Friday evening, December 17, 2021, after recently being diagnosed with Leukemia. Joseph Leo, the son of Jerome and Marion (Swanson) Gelhar, was born on January 24, 1955, in Hastings. Following his graduation from Hastings High School with the class of 1973, Joe was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Pamela "Pam" Neff on August 3, 1974. Joe worked various jobs prior to his longtime career at Koch Refinery where he retired after forty-three years of service. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, water skiing, and spending time at their lake home in Luck, Wisconsin. Most of all, Joe cherished spending time with his grandchildren and never missed any events they had. He was known for his timely one-liners, and will forever be remembered for his infectious smile and zest for life. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marion; brother, Ron Gelhar; and by his father and mother-in-law, Larry and Virginia Neff. Joe is survived by his wife, Pam; sons, Dave (Sarah) Gelhar, Brad (Keoni) Gelhar, and Pat (Jes) Gelhar; grandchildren, Emma, Alex, Ian, Eric, Cohen, and Calla; father, Jerry; siblings, Sharon (Jerry) Nelson, Wayne (Diane) Gelhar, Mark Gelhar (Belinda Tuckner) and Jim Gelhar; sister-in-law, Catherine Gelhar; the extended Neff family; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A Celebration of Joe's Life will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel in Hastings. In lieu of flowers, Joe's family requests memorials be directed to Hastings Family Service, Hastings Hockey Association, or the donor's choice in his memory. Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.