Mary Margaret Gehrt, 96, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025. Born on March 5, 1929, in Quincy, Illinois, she was the only child of Emil and Mary L. (Shennick) Mescher. A devoted Catholic, Mary’s faith and commitment to education and service shaped every aspect of her life.

Mary was educated in Quincy, attending St. Francis Elementary School and graduating from Notre Dame High School in 1947. She went on to earn a degree in Secondary Education from Quincy College in 1951. Though her life took her to many places, Quincy was always her true home.

On September 9, 1950, Mary married Henry J. Gehrt, a World War II veteran who was recalled to service during the Korean War. Their 41-year marriage was a partnership of love and shared purpose until Henry’s passing in 1991.

Mary began her teaching career at St. Francis Elementary School in Quincy, before moving with her family to St. Louis and then Ottawa, Canada. The Gehrts eventually settled in Keokuk, Iowa, where Mary raised their five children and taught English at Keokuk Middle School for many years. She and Henry returned to Quincy in 1989, where she remained active in the church and community.

Throughout her life, Mary gave generously of her time and talents. She was deeply involved in parish life and served in numerous community and professional organizations, including the American Association of University Women, the League of Women Voters, Head Start, and was a founding member of the Keokuk Day Care Center. She was a dedicated member of the St. Francis de Sales Altar Society in Keokuk, and after returning to Quincy, participated actively in the St. Dominic and St. Anthony Parishes, including as a member of the Ladies of St. Dominic.

Mary remained close throughout her life with nine cherished high school friends, seven of whom preceded her in death. She treasured their lifelong bond.

Mary is survived by four of her children: Kathleen of Quincy; Dennis (Teresa McCarthy) of Plattsburg, Missouri; Ann Marie (Chris Tibbetts) of St. Paul, Minnesota; and Michael (Janet Drummond), also of St. Paul. She is also survived by her grandson Christoper Tibbets and her cousin James Shennick of Quincy. She was preceded in death by her husband Henry, her son Francis (2003), and her parents.

Mary’s family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Bickford Senior Living for their kindness and care during her three years there.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 30 at St. Anthony’s Parish in Quincy. There will be no visitation; however, friends are invited to join the family at mass. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Quincy Notre Dame High School, honoring Mary’s enduring commitment to Catholic education and lifelong learning. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.