Richard Whipple Gehr

Richard Whipple Gehr

January 2, 1947–January 22, 2025

Richard Whipple (Whipper) Gehr, 78, Michigan City, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, with his family by his side.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00AM, Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, IN, with Rev. Keith McClellan officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9:00AM - 10:00AM, Saturday at the funeral chapel.

Richard was the first of seven children of the late Thomas Y. and Marie V. (Kientzy) Gehr.  Born January 2, 1947, in Michigan City, IN.  Surviving are his brother, Thomas Gehr, of Vernon Hills, Illinois, three sisters, Linda Gehr and Karen Gehr both of Michigan City, Indiana, and Shelly (Ellen Glantz) Gehr of Boynton Beach, Florida; former sister-in-law, Joan Gehr of Vernon Hills, Illinois; former brother-in-law, David Young of Grand Rapids, Michigan; nephew, Clayton (Marjorie) Young; three nieces, Iris (Chance) Rinker; Dr. Samantha (Ian) Gehr Swanson; and Kelly Gehr; great-niece, Layla Swanson; three great-nephews; Sullivan Young; Tucker Young; Leo Swanson.  Richard was preceded in death by his parents, sister Gretchen M. Gehr and youngest brother, John T. Gehr.

Richard, better known as “Whipper” to family and close friends, attended Notre Dame Grade School, Michigan City, IN and graduated from Champion Jesuit High School, Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin. He continued his education at John Carroll University, Ohio, and he completed his education, graduating from Indiana University.

During his youth, he was active with family & friends, playing baseball, running through the woods, and playing on the beach. Then he broke away to travel through Europe and the lower 48 states. His passion was learning new things. He acquired a vast library collection of books. Teaching himself and obtaining numerous woodwind, reed and brass instruments. Then he added the electronic keyboard to his many talents. 

Richard was a very kind and generous soul. He devoted his life attending to the health and comfort of his family.  Always, offering a helping hand to all he encountered.

Richard was a media sales and merchandiser in the publishing industry. Over the years, he worked at Kroch’s & Brentano's, Simon & Schuster, Charles Levy and TNG Retail Services. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sharing Meadows Foundation, P.O. Box 400, Rolling Prairie, Indiana 46371, in Richard’s remembrance. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Whipple Gehr, please visit our floral store.