Eli H Gehman

In Loving Memory of Eli Gehman
Eli Gehman, 90, of Aurora, Colorado, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2026.
Eli was born January 24, 1936, in a farmhouse in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to Elsie and Peter Gehman, the ninth of ten children in a horse-and-buggy Mennonite community. It was there that the values that shaped his life—hard work, generosity, honesty, service, faith, and community—were formed. In 1957, Eli joined the 1W service and moved to Colorado, where he remained for the rest of his life.
Eli worked for the Aurora Fire Department, retiring in 1984 as a Battalion Chief. His career reflected his commitment to service, but caring for others was much bigger than his work. It was simply who he was.
Eli was a man whose life was measured not by what he had, but by what he gave. He was kind, generous, humble, and deeply faithful—a Mennonite through and through. He believed in living simply, working hard, helping those in need, and thinking of others before himself.
He loved to laugh and tell stories, travel, and visit the mountains. He had a gift for making people feel comfortable, cared for, and like family. He was a surrogate father, grandfather, and favorite uncle to many.
Eli is survived by his wife, Hanna; his children, Cindy, Mark, Christy (Anthony), and Sean (Jackie); his grandsons, Kyle (Becca), Nick, and Chris; his great-grandsons, Oskar and Otto; his stepchildren, step-grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; his sister, Rachel (Marty); and many nieces, nephews, friends, and others who considered him family.
He was preceded in death by eight siblings and his daughter, Sherilyn.
We were blessed to have Eli. His kindness, faith, generosity, laughter, and love will remain with all who knew him.
As he always signed off: “Stay happy. Keep the ole’ dobber up, and glad you got to see me.”
This is his final farewell.
And to all those he left behind, in whom his legacy will live on: Oh, Eli, how very glad we were to get to see you.
Memorial Service: August 19, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Peace Mennonite Church in Aurora, Colorado, with a reception following.