The Rev. Noel Andrew Gehm, 87, of Mt. Olive died at 10:01 p.m. Saturday, May 23, 2015, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 27, at Zion Lutheran Church in Mt. Olive with the Rev. Don Wagner and the Rev. Ben Fiore officiating.
Burial was in Chapman Cemetery in Mt. Olive. Becker and Son Funeral Home in Mt. Olive was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Gehm was born in Liberty Township in Mercer County, OH, on April 12, 1928, the son of the late Andrew William and Lillian Ruth (Beitler) Gehm. He married Leora May Abbetmeier at Grace United Church of Christ in St. Louis on Oct. 10, 1953, and she survives in Mt. Olive.
He attended several one room grade schools in Ohio and graduated in 1946 from Celina High School in Celina, OH. He attended Heidelberg College in Tiffin, OH, from 1946 to 1950, and received his bachelor of arts degree. He then proceeded to Eden Theological Seminary from 1950 to 1953 for his bachelor of divinity degree and master of divinity degree.
Mr. Gehm was a member of the PTA in Okawville and Lebanon and held several positions in both, including chair for several years. He was pastor of Zion United Church of Christ in Metropolis from 1953 to 1959; Faith United Church of Christ in Collinsville from 1959 to 1962; St. Peter UCC in Okawville from 1962 to 1972; St. Paul UCC in Lebanon from 1972 to 1979; St. Paul UCC in Staunton from 1979 to 1991; and interim pastor at both Peace UCC in Jerseyville from 1991 to 1992 and Immanuel UCC in Carlyle from 1992 to 1993.
He was a current member of Peace United Church of Christ in Jerseyville as pastor emeritus. He attended the Zion Lutheran Church of Mt. Olive and was a member of the Zion Choir.
Mr. Gehm held various positions in the Illinois South Conference, including ten years as chair of the Outdoor Ministry Committee; four years as chair of the World Ministry Committee; served twice on the nominating committee; four years as secretary of the Board of Illinois South Conference; vice-moderator of the conference from 1970 to 1971; moderator from 1971 to 1972; and served on the Hitz Home Board in Alhambra from 1994 to 1997.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Barry (Jo) Gehm of Batesville, AR; daughter, Denise (Jay) Rademacher of Mt. Olive; brother, Lester (Blanche) Gehm of Coldwater, OH; grandson, Christian (Jostlin) Rademacher of Litchfield; and granddaughter, Alicia Rademacher of Mt. Olive.
Besides his parents, Mr. Gehm was preceded in death by two brothers, Elmer and Robert Gehm; and one sister, Ruth Christian.
Memorials may be made to Adopt-A-Pet, Du Bois Center or Habitat for Humanity.
