Maren Gebhard

Maren Jean Gebhard, age 72 of Hudson, formerly Elmwood and River Falls, died on February 24, 2020, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. Maren was born on November 1, 1947, in Rock Island, IL, to Harvey Jr. and Mildred (Birkmose) Hardin. She spent her early years in Seaton, IL. When Maren was 13, the family moved to Hudson, WI, and graduated from Hudson High School in 1965 before continuing her studies at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls where she earned a Bachelors Degree in Mathematics. Maren was united in marriage to the love of her life, James “Jim” Gebhard, on June 10, 1967 in Afton, MN. The couple were blessed with a son. Maren enjoyed taking care of her family while working as a teacher at the Elmwood High School in Elmwood, WI, and would later earn a Masters Degree in Computer Science from the University of Minnesota. She continued teaching in the area and ended her teaching career as a Math Professor at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Maren cherished her family and truly loved to be around them, especially her grandchildren. Her soft hearted nature and patience will be remembered. She and Jim were both delighted by music and theatre.  Together they participated in several St. Paul Opera Workshops, church choirs, and directed plays and musicals in the community for several decades. Maren was passionate about animals and reading, and enjoyed dedicating large parts of her life to both.  She was a long time volunteer at the Humane Society of Pierce-St. Croix in River Falls.

Maren will remain in the hearts of her husband of 52 years, Jim; son, James “Jamie” (Amy) Gebhard; grandchildren, Lexi, Griffin, and Beckett; siblings, Richard (Cheryl) Hardin, David (Carol) Hardin, Jody (Terry) Van Domelen, and Janelle (Daniel) Lemke; aunt, Frances Birkmose; brothers-in-law, Ralph (Pam) Gebhard, John (Sandy) Gebhard; sister-in-law, Linda (Becky Sells) Gebhard; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Milly Hardin.

A Memorial Service for Maren will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 29th at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment at the Willow River Cemetery. Memorials preferred to St. Croix Animal Friends, P.O. Box 1169, Hudson, WI 54016.