Vincent Adam Gehlen, 89, Moran, passed away Monday, April 24, 2017, at his home.
He was born Oct. 17,1927, in Colwich, to Aloysious “Ollie” and Mary (Bayer) Gehlen. He grew up in Colwich and served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1947. He married Elizabeth Rose “Betty” Leis on Sept. 21, 1950, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Wichita. She preceded him in death in 2014. He had a dairy farm in his early years and built his own dairy barn at Elsmore. He later worked for many years doing building and home construction. He retired in 1993 after 15 years with Gates Rubber in Iola.
He enjoyed making toys for his grandchildren, fishing, camping and traveling.
He was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Iola, and the Moran American Legion.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, his daughter, Eileen Gehlen, three sisters, Theresa Born, Mary Ann Doll and Clara Hart, a brother, Elmer Gehlen, and two great-grandsons, Garrett and Wyatt.
Vincent is survived by two sons, Eugene Gehlen and companion Barbara Watkins, Richmond, and Gary Gehlen and wife Andrea, Bronson; two daughters, Sherry Kozicki and husband Patrick, Augusta, and Patty Smith and husband Don, Wichita; 18 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, with another on the way; three brothers, Al Gehlen, Jerome Gehlen and Clarence Gehlen, all of Colwich, and two sisters, Bernice Born, Eudora, and Alice Marie Magson, Mount Hope.
Services for Vincent will be Saturday at St. John’s Catholic Church in Iola. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., the Parish Rosary will be recited at 10 a.m., and the Mass will begin at 10:30. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery at Iola.
Contributions in his memory are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the ARC of Sedgwick County. Condolences can be left online at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.
Vincent Gehlen
