Gary Lee Ehlers, of Utica, was born Aug. 7, 1943, in Omaha, and was adopted by John and Twila (Volzke) Ehlers.
He grew up on the family farm near Staplehurst and spent his younger years helping his father and grandfather farm. He attended Utica High School, graduating in 1961. On Nov. 24, 1963, Gary was united in marriage to Linda Obermier at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Utica. Their family was completed with the adoption of two children, Alan and Sharon. Gary and his father, John, Jr, ran their own earth moving business, Ehlers Construction, and Gary also owned his own trucking business. Gary was a rural mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for 43 years, retiring in 2012.
Gary lived life to the fullest, making friends wherever he went and had a servant's heart. He participated and held office in various organizations throughout his life. He joined the Utica Volunteer Fire Department on Dec. 4, 1970, and was member for 52 years. He was a member of the Nebraska Rural Letter Carriers Association, PAC Chairman, U.S. Postal Service Intervention Team, Utica Jaycees and Commercial Club. He was a founding member of the Flying U Saddle Club and the Seward County Sheriff's Posse. He also served on the St. Paul's Lutheran Church Board, Red Cross, Village of Utica Town Board, Cornhusker State Games medical team and was a member of the Antique Tractor Club.
Gary's love for horses started at a young age, having his first horse at the age of 5. His love for horses was a large part of his life. Some of his fondest memories involved time spent participating in horse shows, trail rides, parades, Nebraskaland Days and working at the county and state fairs. Another important aspect of his life was traveling to many state and national postal carrier conventions. Above all, family was Gary's greatest love. He and his wife, Linda, traveled many miles to watch and support their children and grandchildren in athletics and other activities. Time spent at his farm with family, fixing fence, bailing hay, riding horses and having weenie roasts with his grandchildren were some of his most treasured moments.
Later in life, Gary was fortunate to meet his biological brother and sister and extended relatives. He was thankful for that opportunity and enjoyed time spent with them. Gary passed away Dec. 13, 2022, in Seward, at the age 79 years, 4 months and 6 days.
He is survived by his daughter, Sharon (Kelly) Hartshorn of Utica; daughter-in-law, Denise Ehlers of Madison; grandchildren, Jonathan (Krista) Ehlers, Barry (Cali) Ehlers, Eric Ehlers, Jordan Ehlers, Haley (Kyle) Koranda, Jesse Hartshorn, Hunter Hartshorn and Jayden Hartshorn; great-grandchildren, Lakely, Bo and Brooks Ehlers, and Carder Koranda; brother, Frank Weber, and sister, Jolene (Larry) Holmes, sister-in-law, Elaine (Ronald) Battreall; and nieces and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, John and Twila Ehlers; wife, Linda Ehlers; son, Alan Ehlers; sister and brother-in-law, Pamela and Dennis Fielder; sister-in-law, Kathy Weber; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, LaVerne and Nancy Obermier; and nephew Gregory Battreall.
The funeral service was Dec. 17 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Utica with committal in the Utica Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested in care of the Ehlers family. Arrangements by Volzke Funeral Home.
