Jan Olivia Gehrki

Jan was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, cherished sister, and a lifelong educator who touched countless lives with her kindness, warmth, and unwavering faith.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Frank Joseph Gehrki of Tampa; her son, Joe Gehrki, and his wife, Christina; and her treasured grandchildren, Joey, Bella, and Bobby, who brought her immense joy and pride. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Lillian Lankford, and by beloved grandson, Nikolay Joseph Gehrki, who passed away in 2024 at the age of 19.

She is also survived by her sister Jean Miner and her husband Don of Rockingham, North Carolina; her sister Casondra and her husband Tom of Kerrville, Texas; and many dear brothers- and sisters-in-law, including Ralph and Georgia Gehrki of Keller, Texas; Gary and Claire Gehrki of Arkadelphia, Arkansas; Tom Gehrki and Gayle Jackson of Fairfax, Virginia; and Donna and Bobby Hines of Louisville, Kentucky.

Jan dedicated her life to education, a calling she embraced with passion and purpose. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Louisville and her master’s degree from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. Her commitment to teaching was matched by her deep care for her students and colleagues, leaving a lasting impact wherever she went.

As the wife of a United States Army serviceman, Jan spent over 30 years traveling the world alongside her husband, Frank. Their journey took them to many places and cultures, shaping a life rich in experience, friendship, and adventure.

Above all, Jan was a woman of deep and abiding faith. A devoted Catholic, she loved her faith and her Lord, Jesus Christ, with her whole heart. Her strong devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, guided her life and inspired her to live with compassion, generosity, and grace. She shared her faith freely, uplifting everyone she met with her joyful spirit and steadfast belief.

Jan will be remembered for her positive outlook, her charitable heart, and her ability to make everyone feel welcomed and loved. She was a source of strength and encouragement to her family and friends, and her legacy of kindness and faith will live on in all who knew her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church on March 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., preceded a viewing at the church one hour before Mass. She will be laid to rest at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery on March 31, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Jan’s memory to Moffitt Cancer Center.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.