Richard J. Gelhar

Richard J. Gelhar, age 93 of Hastings, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026, at home surrounded by his family. Richard the son of Joseph and Veronica (Girgen) Gelhar, was born on December 24, 1932 in Hastings. On April 27, 1957 Richard and Rita (Braun) were united in marriage at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Trier. They were blessed with 5 children, many memories, and were married for 63 years until Rita’s passing on October 10, 2020.

Richard proudly served in the United States Army from 1951-1953 during the Korean War. He was a longtime member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. He enjoyed coffee 6 days a week at the American Legion with his coffee group. Richard loved to drive and Rita and he saw 49 states on their road trips. He worked for Smeads for 45 years until he retired as a Quality Control Supervisor. Richard was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 47 and VFW Post 1210 in Hastings.

Preceded in death by his loving wife, Rita; parents, Joseph and Veronica; and brothers, LuVerne and Jerome.

Survived by his children, Vernon (Kim) Gelhar, Donna (Nick) Fox, Julie (Will) Mann, Paul (Cathy) Gelhar, and John (Wanda) Gelhar; 12 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; sister, Irene Dalbotten; brother, Herman Gelhar; brothers-in-law, Vince and Leo Braun; sister-in-law, Mary Braun; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 11am on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with visitation one hour prior. Interment at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Hastings Family Service, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, or to the donor’s choice in memory of Richard.

Arrangements by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.