Germaine Gebhardt

Germaine Mae Gebhardt, 86, Wausau, died peacefully in the arms of her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, May 28, 2014.

Germaine was born on December 25, 1927 to the late Benjamin and Theresa (Stadler) Nieuwenhuis in Hortonville, WI. In 1941 her family moved to Wausau. Germaine married Bernard Gebhardt on June 14, 1947 in Wausau. Bernard passed away in 1988. She was a charter member of St. Anne's Catholic Church and a regular volunteer. She enjoyed giving to others. She had a great sense of humor and enjoyed reading, crocheting and family time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Germaine was employed at Marathon Electric until she retired in 1980.

Germaine and Bernard had four surviving children: daughters, Anne Beckman and Kay (David) Durkee; sons, Mark (Beverly) Gebhardt and John (Sue) Gebhardt all of Wausau; grandchildren, Ted (Hilary) Beckman, David Gebhardt, Michael (Johanna) Gebhardt, Peter (Katie) Gebhardt and Melissa Gebhardt; great-grandchildren, Amelia and Oliver Beckman and Hannah Gebhardt. She is also survived by her brothers: Robert (Dorothy) Nieuwenhuis, Thomas (Bette) Nieuwenhuis and Richard "Dick" (Margaret) Nieuwenhuis all of Wausau; sisters, Dorothy Bodmer, Appleton, Sister Berna Nieuwenhuis, Campbellsport, and Elaine (Delos "Doc") Knapp, Wausau, and extended family and friends. Germaine is preceded in death by her infant daughter, Mary; brothers, Bernard and Leonard; and sisters, Laverne and Yvonne.

Funeral services will held on Monday, June 2nd at 10:30 AM at St. Anne Parish, Wausau. Visitation will be on Sunday, June 1st from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM with a prayer service beginning at 5:00 PM at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau, and from 9:30 AM until the time of services on Monday at the church. Entombment will take place after services at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Helke Funeral home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at www.helke.com.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Wausau Manor Nursing Home and the Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services members for providing excellent care to Germaine during her final months, and also Dr. Michelle Montgomery who was both a physician and a friend.