Jeffrey L. Gelhar

Jeffrey L. Gelhar, age 81 of Brooklyn Center, MN passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 surrounded by his family.

Jeffrey Lynn, the son of Elmer and Mickey (Abram) Gelhar was born on October 26, 1943 in St. Louis Park, MN. He attended St. Louis Park High School and graduated with the class of 1961. Following High School, Jeff served in the U.S. Air Force spending most of his time in Japan as an MP. On August 26, 1967 he was united in marriage to Caroline Froman in Faribault, MN. They would move to Brooklyn Center, MN where Jeff owned and operated Gelhar’s Decorating Service for many years. When he wasn’t working Jeff enjoyed traveling (with Caroline), especially road trips in the corvette. He was a self-taught artist in woodworking, pottery and photography. He made many family and friends (and himself) furniture, clocks, pottery and candles. He loved taking pictures of family, vacations, nature and scenery and sharing those with family and friends. He loved spending time with his granddaughters and great granddaughter.

Jeff is survived by his wife of 57 years, Caroline Gelhar; by his children, Jennifer Just (Scott) and David Gelhar (Lisa); by three granddaughter’s, Jordan Just, Kelli Brown (Kyle) and Madison Gelhar; by his great granddaughter, Quinn Brown; by his siblings, Debbie Berg (James) and Alan Gelhar (Dorothy); by his sister and brother-in-laws, Harlan Hanson, Margaret Montag (Dan), Trisha Burmiester, Mike Gramse, Pauline Thielbar (David), Bernadette Tatge (Dennis), Ben Froman (Marie) and Paul Froman (Colleen) and by many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Jeff is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Mickey Gelhar, parents-in-law, Carroll and Genevieve Froman, sister-in-laws, Kathleen Hanson and Eva Gramse.

Memorial services will be held on Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault with Bernadette Tatge, Pastoral Minister at Divine Mercy Catholic Church officiating. 

Visitation will be held on Sunday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers that memorials be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in memory of Jeff.