Gerhardt Kohrs obituary

Gerhardt Rudolph Kohrs, age 91, passed away on June 21, 2026, at the Lake City Care Center. Born on March 26, 1935, to Rudolph and Myrtle Kohrs, Gerhardt was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at Belvidere in rural Lake City, Minn., where his roots in the community began to take shape.
Raised on a family farm, Gerhardt embraced the values of hard work, dedication, and ingenuity from an early age. He spent his life devoted to dairy farming, laboring under the sun and ensuring the welfare of his animals until his well-earned retirement in 1993. Despite his humble educational beginnings, having only completed the eighth grade, Gerhardt’s resourcefulness shone through in every endeavor. He took on the challenge of remodeling the barn, using his father-in-law’s Ford 9-N tractor outfitted with a cement mixer to pour concrete, and constructing their family home – skills that demonstrated his determination and hands-on spirit.
Gerhardt married Marlys Hink on March 25, 1961. Together, they raised four wonderful children – Sharon (Ted) Pew of Watertown, Minn.; Glenn (Dee) Kohrs of Zumbrota, Minn.; Lynette (aka Sam) (Darvin) Ische of Victoria, Minn.; and Linda Kohrs of Lake City, Minn. He also leaves behind a legacy that includes seven grandchildren – Allen (Concha), Stephen (Holly) and Ethan (Anna) Pew; David (Kelly) and Sarah Kohrs; Lauren, and Hannah Ische. His joy expanded even further with the arrival of seven great-grandchildren – Alenyn, Emelyn, Ixelyn, and Israel Lopez; Olivia and Zoey Pew; and Amelia Kohrs, all of whom filled his life with laughter and love. In later years he married Elaine Safranek.
In his retirement years, Gerhardt found joy in serving his community as a reserve officer with the Lake City Police Department, where he worked on special events such as Water Ski Days and as a Lake City Marina guard. He remained connected to his farming roots, frequently visiting the family farm, where he relished the sense of purpose that came from lending a hand, believing he was still contributing in some way.
Gerhardt was known for his infectious laugh and a playful competitive spirit – particularly when it came to the card game euchre, where he had a knack for counting cards. His stubbornness was an endearing quality; he defied medical expectations, surviving a cardiac arrest and thriving afterward with a zest for life.
Gerhardt leaves behind a rich legacy of faith, hard work, resilience, and frugality, and reminds us of the importance of laughter.
Funeral services will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church on Thursday, June 25, at 11 a.m., with Pastor Dale Kohrs officiating, with visitation two hours before the service at the church. Gerhardt will be laid to rest at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, where he awaits the return of his Lord and the resurrection of all believers.
Arrangements by Schleicher Funeral Homes, Lake City Chapel.  Guest register may be signed at www.schleicherfuneralhomes.com.