Jeffrey L. Gerhart

Jeffrey Lincoln Gerhart, 73, of Elkhorn, Nebraska, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026 in Omaha, Nebraska.

Levander Funeral Home of Newman Grove are in charge of arrangements.

Jeff was born on December 27, 1952, in Newport, Rhode Island, to Harold Lincoln Gerhart and Georgieanne (Rediger) Gerhart. He was raised in Newman Grove, Nebraska, where he graduated from Newman Grove High School. He went on to attend the University of Kansas before completing his degree at the University of Nebraska. A proud Beta, Jeff was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity at both universities and treasured the lifelong friendships it brought him.

After college, Jeff began his banking career in Colorado before returning home to Nebraska to join the family bank in Newman Grove, where he would dedicate much of his professional life. Shortly after setting in Newman Grove he was united in marriage to Rebecca Scherich. There they raised two children, son Patrick and daughter Kyle.

A respected leader and tireless advocate for community banking, Jeff was an active member and chairman of the Nebraska Independent Community Bankers, served on the Federal Reserve Board of Kansas City, and served as Chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of America from 2012 to 2013.

Jeff’s commitment to his community ran every bit as deep as his commitment to his profession. He was a longtime member of the Newman Grove Community Club, helped found the Newman Grove Community Foundation, and most recently served on the Board of Directors of the Nebraska Community Foundation. An Eagle Scout in his youth, he later gave back to the next generation as Scoutmaster of Newman Grove Troop 126. Jeff was a member of Newman Grove United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir, and was a member of Newman Grove Masonic Lodge #305, along with several other community organizations he supported throughout his life.

Jeff filled his life with music whether he was playing guitar, singing, or listening wherever he went. He also delighted in the wonders of nature and loved sharing that enthusiasm with others.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Lincoln Gerhart and Georgieanne Rediger Gerhart; father in law Harry and Genevieve Scherich; brother-in-law Peter Skeffington and sister-in-law Stephanie King.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Scherich Gerhart of Elkhorn, NE; their children, Patrick (Quinn) Gerhart of Norfolk, NE and Kyle (Taylor) Klaas of Minneapolis, MN; his grandchildren, Jay and Vale Gerhart and Anaya Klaas; his sisters, Sarah (Jeffery) Peetz of Lincoln, NE and Julie Skeffington of Littleton, CO; and his aunt, Kay Ottenbach of Port Orchard, WA.

Please send memorials to the Newman Grove Community Foundation and the Nebraska Community Foundation.