John Joseph Gehrs, age 83, of O'Fallon, born November 28, 1939 to Nicholas & Veronica (Erlinger) Gehrs, died December 22, 2022.

John grew up in Carlyle, Ill., one of eight children. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Robert Gehrs and Imogene Le Pique. Jim, Tom, Nick, Jerry and Bill (Mary) Gehrs survive. John loved sports and was a basketball referee for grade school youth.

He married the love of his life, Sandee (Robbs), 60 years ago on November 22, 1962. They had two daughters, Gina (Jeff) Haberl, and Jill Gehrs Dryden, who passed away July 3, 2022. John dearly loved his grandchildren-Erinne and Melissa Haberl, Xavier Sykes and Ella Mai Wilson.
John was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Church since 1966. He was strong in his Catholic faith, making Sunday mass a priority until he could no longer attend.

He proudly served in the army, working as a lineman in Ft. Carson, Colo. John was a meat cutter and member of UFCW Local Union #534 for 40 years, most recently at Shop N Save in Belleville, Ill.

John made friends easily and liked to make people laugh. He loved his car rides with Sandee and attending BBQs with the family. He was adventurous and loved riding his Sea Doo, horses and roller coasters in his younger days. Western movies and Dean Martin's music were favorites. John was a man with a great smile and a huge heart who would do anything, for anyone, at any time.

John often donated to those in need, so he would love memorials to go to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. or the St. Vincent De Paul Society, who assist the needy in the O'Fallon area.

The family will receive friends from 4-8 pm, Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O'Fallon.

Visitation will also be held after 9:30 am, Thursday, January 5, 2023 at St. Clare of Assisi Church, 1411 Cross St., O'Fallon.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 5, 2023 at St. Clare of Assisi Church, 1411 Cross St., O'Fallon with Fr. Jim Deiters officiating. Burial will follow at O'Fallon City Cemetery, O'Fallon, Ill.