IL SR1957

George Francis Gebhardt of Alton died on May 30, 2016, and the Illinois Senate expresses condolences to his family and friends.

Gebhardt was born August 23, 1921, in Balta, North Dakota, and married Mary Margaret Tuohy on December 28, 1943, in California.

Gebhardt served 24 years in the United States Air Force, training over 400 fighter pilots and flying 22 different aircraft, then taught at George Washington University as administrator of the military master's degree program.

Gebhardt was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alton and formerly Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission, Texas.

Gebhardt is survived by two children, four grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren, and was preceded in death by his wife, daughter, and three siblings.