Gerhard Leonard Knehans entered this world in rural Guide Rock, Nebraska, on April 4th, 1946. He departed on 9-8-2026. Gerhard (Gary) Leonard Knehans was preceded in death by his parents, Gerhard Carl Knehans and Lenora (Kruger) Knehans, of rural Guide Rock and later in retirement in Hastings, NE; brother Douglas Knehans of Guide Rock; and son Michael Bryan Knehans; and by Trudy Elaine Grantham of his first marriage. Gerhard is survived by his sister, Jan Knehans; Eldon Knehans; his son, Gerhard Lynn (Gary) Knehans of Imperial, NE; his daughter, Rachelle Knehans of Imperial; and his wife, Gayle (Dew) Knehans of Garden City, KS.

Gerhard lived his teenage years in rural Guide Rock, NE, attending and graduating from Guide Rock High School. Gerhard attended Kearney State College and was enlisted in the Nebraska National Guard.

Gerhard met his future wife, Trudy Elaine Grantham, in McCook Ne, To this union were born three children: Michael Bryan Knehans, Gerhard (Gary) Lynn Knehans, and Rachell Knehans.

The family of five lived in Julesburg, Co., Garden City, KS, and Imperial, NE. Gerhard moved his family to take advantage of the growing opportunities and the expertise he had accumulated over years of experience and hard work in the Water well business, to support his family and further his relationships with many farmers and professionals whom he enjoyed visiting with (he called it "pestering people").

Gerhard enjoyed hunting and working outdoors in the fresh air, especially on the family farm where he grew up as a teen. Gerhard owned the ¼ section he grew up on, which his father passed on to him after his death. Gerhard developed the land with a pivot irrigation system and water wells, using his business knowledge to do the work himself and with the help of his son Gary.

Gerhard would travel back and forth between Garden City, KS, and the farm to work and take care of the homeplace. Gerhard later sold the farm and retired in Garden City, KS, with his wife, Gayle.

Gayle would like to call Gerhard “sunshine,” mostly due to his old, grumpy behavior! On more than one

occasion, Gerhard would lament that he was old and crazy!

Gerhard enjoyed spending time with many grandchildren: Cody Knehans, Tara Knehans, Caitlin Knehans, Aubrey Gibbens, Mikaela Knehans, Michael Knehans, and Jasmin Knehans—as well as many Nieces and Nephews.

A private burial will be held near the family farm at Mount Hope Cemetery in Webster County, NE.