Ebhardt, Gerhard L. "Jerry" Passed away January 17th in Colorado Springs, Colorado at the age of 80. At age 11 his family emigrated from Germany and settled in Minneapolis in 1954. At 16 Gerhard apprenticed as a pipe organ builder, a rare specialty he continued in after graduating from Central High School in 1957. He married the love of his life Alida Cosse' in 1961, shortly before being inducted into the Army. He was honorably discharged and proudly served 2 yrs as an MP at Ft. Carson, Colorado. Gerhard and Alida returned to Minneapolis in 1963 with their first child, Paul. That winter he opened a very successful service station business in Bloomington, which he owned & operated for 22 years. Jerry was well known in the Midwest for his automotive skills and ethics. A severe back injury compelled the sale of the business in 1985. Gerhard's family & friends took many trips around the U.S., Canada & Europe, often by motorcycle or RV. Motorcycling was his favorite hobby which he continued to age 79. In 2015 Gerhard & Alida moved to Colorado Springs to reside with their son Paul and his wife Robin. Gerhard said many times that his life was full, and that he'd seen and done all the things he wanted to do. He now rests in peace without pain. Gerhard is preceded in death by parents Ludwig & Helen, stepmother Helene, sister Gerlinda, brother Norbert, uncle Jacob & aunt Marie, aunt Susanna Morgenthaler and cousin Peter Ephardt. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Alida, sons Paul (Robin) & Michael (Sherri), daughter Jennifer, grandchildren Kelly (Tyler), Kenneth & Matthew, sister-in-law Enny, nephew Mark (Gina) & cousin Herbert Morgenthaler (Inge). Interment service will be held at a later date at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis. Memorials in Gerhard's name may be made to the Patient Advocate Foundation at
patientadvocate.org. Condolences
shrineofremembrance.com