Frank Gerhardt

Frank John Gerhardt, 84, Topeka, Kansas, passed away after a long illness on Saturday, June 21, 2025, surrounded by his family. Frank was born to John George Gerhardt and Teresa Ann Domme Gerhardt March 3, 1941. Frank attended Topeka Catholic Schools before joining the U.S.S 9th Naval District and served aboard the U.S.S Mount Baker, stationed at Treasure Island in San Francisco, California, in 1958 at the age of 17. (Yes, there is a story that goes along with his age) Frank served for 4 years and traveled to Guam, Hawaii and around the Asian Continent. Upon his return to Kansas, Frank met a young lady that worked with his sister, Helen, at the Woolworth Soda Fountain in downtown Topeka who had recently moved to Topeka from Herington, Kansas, to attend beauty school. Frank and Jennifer were united in marriage on October 27, 1962, and one year later welcomed their first daughter, Lori Ann, and five years later their second daughter, Staci Ann. They were able to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in 2012 prior to Jennifer's untimely passing the following year in 2013. Frank worked for Jostens Publishing Company from 1962 until 2003 when he retired after 41 years of service. He started out as a pressroom helper and served many years and retired as a pressroom supervisor. Frank had many mentors that he learned from and looked up to throughout his career and he was also a mentor to many others throughout his tenure. Frank is survived by his daughters, Lori Weakland (Bob) and Staci Bray (Gary) of Topeka; grandsons, Troy Weakland (Sydney) and Connor Bray of Topeka; great-grandchildren, Josie and Atreus of Topeka; spouse, Sheila of Topeka; siblings, Teresa “Sis” Billbe of Topeka, Helen Forbes-Ortiz of Topeka, Patricia Ferrin (John) of Coram, New York, George Gerhardt (Linda) of Topeka, Eddie Gerhardt (Kathy) of Topeka, Regina "Genie" Arreguin (Joe) of Topeka; brother-in-law, Larry Kern of Osage City, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Robbie Weakland; parents, John and Teresa Gerhardt; brothers, John and Richard Gerhardt; sisters-in-law, Joyce Kern and Janice Ulferts; brothers-in-law, Robert Taylor, Larry Forbes, Everett Bilbee and Mike Ulferts; and nieces and nephews, Bobbie Taylor, Terry Allen, Connie Ulferts, Todd Gerhardt and Greg Taylor. Frank enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling until he was no longer able to, owning and taking care of his many antique cars throughout the years and his most recent one being his beloved Red 1949 Mercury. He also greatly enjoyed fishing and going to the gun range with his grandsons. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 312 NE Freeman Avenue, Topeka KS 66616. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Capper Foundation and sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Frank Gerhardt

March 3, 1941 - June 21, 2025