Esther M. Gebhard

Esther Marian Klostermann Gebhard of Dallas passed away in the early morning of June 4, 2020. She was born at home (as was the trend then, she liked to note) on January 22, 1923 in New Vienna, Iowa, the eighth of nine children. She was the daughter of Leanora and Joseph Klostermann. Her birth certificate reads that she was named Eileen, but that was changed to Esther when her older siblings promised Sister Esther at school that the new baby would be named Esther. She attended St. Boniface grade and high school in New Vienna. She started dating John Gebhard in 1942, but he was drafted into World War II. They wrote letters and maintained their love, and then married in 1946 in New Vienna. The two had five children together. They moved to Dallas in 1951, and Esther remained a Texas resident, but lover of Iowa for the rest of her life.

Esther was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and Catholic. She was a member of St. Pius X Parish in Dallas from the date of its founding in 1954. She sent her children to St. Pius X grade school and to the then-new Bishop Lynch High School. Esther was a faithful member of the Catholic Daughters and the Newcomers Club. She adored bridge and played frequently with friends in more than one bridge club. Her love of gardening and flowers was legendary (and that love shared by several of her children and grandchildren). In her later years, she loved a happy hour with white zinfandel, wheat thins, and good conversations. At various points, a few of her adult children, nieces/nephews, and many grandchildren (and assorted pets!) temporarily called her house home when they needed a place to stay. She always welcomed houseguests and was the best roommate many of us have ever had.

She is preceded in death by her lovely and beloved daughter, Joan Gebhard Allison, her husband John Gebhard, nephew Mike Kenneally, great-niece Elizabeth Willenborg, and all of her siblings and siblings-in-law (her little sister Ruth died in April 2020). Esther is survived by her sons John Gebhard (Becky) of Sherman, Robert Gebhard (Jan) of Dallas, William Gebhard (Cathy) of Dallas, daughter Mary Hausman of Nashville, and son-in-law Robert Allison of Kenilworth, Illinois; nieces and nephews, Anne (Rick) Shapiro, Susan Kenneally, Sue Kenneally, Bill (Sara) Kitto, Annette Williams, Joyce (Dan) Willenborg, Geralyn (Philip) Lu, Kay (Al) Schilling, Rita Klostermann, Elaine (Jack) Schmitt; grandchildren Carolyn Gebhard Johnson (Victor), Tommy Gebhard (Annie), Danny Gebhard (Jennifer), Anne Allison, Margaret Gebhard Frank (Jeff), Michael Gebhard (Lindsay), John Allison, Michael Hausman (Margaret), Joseph Gebhard (soon to marry Lauren), Matthew Hausman, John Gebhard, and Sam Gebhard; eight great-grandchildren (so far!); and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews. The entire extended family loved getting together for reunions with Esther and her little sister Ruthie as matriarchs of the unruly, but loving, group. They were the glue that bound us together. The strong love and friendships amongst their descendants are a testament to their love and example. We are sure the family reunion in heaven is going strong.

A public celebration of Esther’s life will be held when it is safer to get together. For now, we mourn separately but secure in the knowledge of her love and the faith that we will see her again.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Crane.com for the Gebhard family.