Joseph M. Gehring

  Joseph M. Gehring, age 98, of Madison, passed away Thursday, March 23, 2023 at UH Geauga Medical Center. He was born May 10, 1924 in Richmond IN, to Eugene and Hildred (Martin) Gehring.  Joseph was a graduate of Berea Ohio High School and a 1949 graduate of Case Institute of Technology. During World War II he completed a 30 mission tour with the 8^th Air Force as a pilot of a B-24 Heavy Bomber and was the recipient of the European Service Medal with 4 Battle Stars, The Air Metal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, and The Distinguished Flying Cross. Joseph’s career work was as a local independent insurance agent, owning and operating Gerhing’s Insurance Agency, until he “officially” retired at age 80. He was a former president of the Madison Kiwanis Club, and a member of the Madison Business and Professional Association, the Lake Geauga Association of Insurance Agents, and served on the Board of Directors of the State Bank & Trust Company. Very active in his Madison community, he was a volunteer fireman for the Madison Fire Department, a 14 year member of the Madison Village Planning Commission and a founding member of the Madison Chamber of Commerce. He was a life member of American Legion Post 112. Joseph was an avid golfer and member of Madison Country Club for over 50 years. He also enjoyed handball, tennis, flying and playing an electronic organ. He is survived by his wife, Jean (Vernyi) Gehring; sons, Michael (Susan) Gehring, Mark (June) Gehring; step-sons, Dale (Janice) Vernyi, Mark (Jennifer) Vernyi; and 9 grandchildren, Jason (Elizabeth), Ryan, Daniel (Jess), Andrew (Amy), Alex, Kyle, Wyatt, Madeline, and Sarah. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Janice; parents; brothers, Robert and Richard Gehring; step son, James Vernyi. Friends will be received 1pm – 3pm, Friday, March 31, 2023, at Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River St., Madison with a Service immediately following at 3pm, and celebrated by Father George Kusy of St. Cyprian Catholic Church. Final Resting Place will be Fairview Cemetery. Contributions may be sent to Hospice of the Western Reserve, P.O. Box 72101, Cleveland, OH 44197-9935.  Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com