Jeffrey Gregg Gehring

Jeffrey Gregg Gehring, a devoted husband, proud father, beloved educator, and accomplished athlete, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on June 10, 1943, in Toledo, Ohio, Jeff was the son of Robert and Catherine (Kate) Gehring. He shared 59 years of marriage to Marianne (Fleck) Gehring. Together, they built a home filled with kids, pets, unconditional love, support, and endless laughter.

From a young age, Jeff displayed a dual passion for learning and sports—qualities that would go on to define his life’s work and lasting legacy.

For 35 years, Jeff served his community as a dedicated educator and guidance counselor in the Columbus Public School system, with assignments in several junior and senior high schools. He played an integral role in positively shaping the futures of thousands of young people. As a guidance counselor, Jeff worked tirelessly to ensure his students were equipped to successfully pursue their dreams and life goals. Through his leadership, discipline, and humble spirit, he served as a true role model, particularly for students from modest backgrounds who yearned for a better future. His exceptional impact earned him the "Teacher of the Year" award three times at Columbus East High school, once at Columbus Beechcroft High school, and "Counselor of the Year" at Ridgeview Junior high school.

An extraordinary athlete, Jeff excelled on the court during his time at Ottawa Hills High School (Coached by Jim McDonald) and Miami University (Coached by Dick Shrider). Upon graduation from Ottawa Hills, he accepted a scholarship offer to play basketball at Miami University, Oxford, OH. At Miami, he became a standout member of the varsity basketball team and went on to become the second-highest scorer in university history at the time, finishing with 1,295 career points. He held the unique distinction of being the only player to score 400 or more points in three consecutive varsity seasons. He enjoyed social time, with his brothers in bond, as a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, Alpha Chapter.

His talent was even immortalized in a feature spread in Sports Illustrated, celebrating his contributions to the Miami Redskins basketball team. Though he was drafted by the NBA’s Cincinnati Royals in the 7th round, Jeff chose a different, deeply meaningful path by continuing his education, obtaining a Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Miami University. His athletic legacy was cemented with his induction into the Miami University Hall of Fame in 1976 and the Ottawa Hills High School Hall of Fame in 2024.

Jeff’s expertise was highly respected throughout the state; he served on both the Miami University and The Ohio State University Guidance Advisory Boards, and acted as a Liaison for the NCAA Clearinghouse.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marianne (his Phi Delta Theta Dream Girl and Miami merger); his children, Brian Gehring, Todd (Brandy) Gehring, and Tracy Turkett; and his beloved grandchildren, Michael Gehring, Andy Gehring, Preston Turkett, and Brayden Turkett; twin brother, John (Gretchen) Gehring; his devoted dogs Riley and Archie; and a vast community of extended family, friends, former students, and athletes who will miss his presence dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Kate, and his sisters, Sue Shea and Kay Campana.

The family extends a special thank you to the caring staff at Darby Glenn Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their compassion and care.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Schoedinger Worthington on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 4pm with visitation following from 5pm until 7pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jeff's memory to The Alzheimer’s Association, linked below, or to a charity of your choice.

“Grief shared is grief divided and love shared is love multiplied."