Eva Mae Gebhardt

On Sunday, November 9, Eva Mae Gebhardt, age 93, entered into heaven to be reunited with her beloved husband, Charles Walter Gebhardt Sr., her brother, Ernie Otto, and many other cherished family and friends who passed before her. She passed away peacefully at Belmont Village in Carol Stream, where she had resided for the past two months. She lived a long and fulfilling life, maintaining her independence until her 90’s.

She is survived by her devoted sister, Georgia Cancillerie, and her loving children: Charles (Wally) Gebhardt Jr. (Aleta), Robert Gebhardt (Mary), Judy Gebhardt, and Gale Stafford. Eva was a proud grandmother to Christina Gebhardt Pierson, Fur Gebhardt (Darby Scholl), Rachel Stafford (Will Klieves), Sally Kramer (Ross), Kim Cortinez (Christian), Emma Stafford, and Lina Gebhardt. She was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren — Mitch, Chloe, Elizabeth, Oliver, Clara, Molly, Kelsey, and Kylie — who brought her endless joy.

Eva had a lifelong love of nature and creativity. She and her husband were active members of the Villa Park Garden Club, where they cultivated a small farm on their two-acre property filled with vegetables, fruits, flowers and plants. Her passion for animals led her to become a dog training instructor, and she bred, trained, and showed her own German Shepherd dogs, earning numerous ribbons and trophies over the many years.

Eva and Charles also shared a love of art and craftsmanship, creating beautiful stained-glass pieces that they joyfully gifted to family and friends. A lover of birds, Eva once raised canaries and, in later years, delighted in feeding and watching the wild birds that visited her home.

Eva dedicated over 20 years of her career to nursing at the DuPage Convalescent Center in Wheaton. Her compassion, gentle spirit, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of others left a lasting impact on countless patients, families, and colleagues.

Beyond her professional life, Eva found great joy in traveling with her husband. Together, they explored many Middle Eastern countries and parts of Europe, as well as other destinations creating treasured memories that she fondly recalled throughout her life.

She will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and strength of character, as well as for the love she shared with her family and friends.

A devoted Christian, Eva was a long-time member of the Lombard Bible Church, where her faith guided her life. She was deeply loved by all who knew her and will be profoundly missed.

Services will be held Saturday, November 22, at Humes Funeral Home in Addison. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to K-9s for Warriors.