Shirley Rose Lisch Gebhardt, nee Conrath, 92, of Belleville, IL, born January 30, 1929, in Belleville, IL, passed away Sunday, January 2, 2022, surrounded by her loving family, at Cedar Ridge Health and Rehab Center, Lebanon, IL.
Shirley was a devout Catholic and was totally dedicated to her family. After raising her own nine children, she cared for many other children in the community. She worked as a housekeeper at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Belleville, IL, for nearly 20 years. Shirley loved to sing and traveled far and wide with her loving husband, Hans. For many years, Saturdays were reserved for “Conrath Sibling Saturday.” They attended mass then shared a meal and a fun activity during these gatherings.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John G. and Helen A., nee Rudolph, Conrath; two grandsons, Kyle Biegler and Benjamin Biegler; two sisters, Connie (Leo) Wagner and Ruth A. Conrath; two brothers, Willard J. (Ann) Conrath and John H. Conrath; and the father of her nine children, Russell A. Lisch.
Surviving are her husband of 16 years, Hans T. Gebhardt Jr., whom she married on October 13, 2005;
nine children, Gary A. Lisch, Nancy A. (John) Biegler-Theismann, Russell J. (Catherine) Lisch, Janet C. Switzer, Connie L. (Jim) Barenkamp, Patricia K. (William) Weier, Jody E. (Tony) Rask, Kathy M. Hunter, and Robert M. (Tracey) Lisch;
18 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren;
two step-children, Heidi Gebhardt and Ted (Erin) Gebhardt;
four step-grandchildren;
a sister-in-law, Mary Beth Conrath;
many nieces and nephews;
her lifelong friend, Judy (Vince) Bemowski;
and a special friend, Tanya Richter and family.
The family would like to thank the loving caregivers of Family Hospice, the staff at Cedar Ridge Health and Rehab Center, especially the Activities Department, and Msgr. William McGhee.
Memorials may be made to the Poor Clare Monastery, St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, or Family Hospice. Condolences to the family may be expressed online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 8, 2022, at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, IL. Masks are required
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 8, 2022, at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. William McGhee officiating. Masks are required.
Burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.