Abraham “Abe” K. Gehman, 89

Abraham “Abe” K. Gehman, 89, of Bally, husband of Drollene (Mack) Gehman, passed away peacefully, Sunday December 17, 2023 at his residence.

Born in Barto, he was the son of the late Abraham B. and Mary (Kulp) Gehman.

Abe graduated in 1952 from Boyertown High School, and worked for Bally Case & Cooler until the age of 55. For the next 10 years, he worked as an overnight caregiver at a group home for adult men in Spinnerstown. He served at Greystone Psychiatric Hospital in NJ for two years during the draft, as an alternative to military service. Abe enjoyed volunteering with local service projects, as well as with Mennonite Disaster Service, SWAP & other church affiliated service organizations. He volunteered with Bally Ambulance for a few years.

He was an active member of Bally Mennonite Church for 63 years, where he enjoyed teaching adult Sunday School for many of those years. He was especially passionate about Jesus’ call to advocate for the marginalized and oppressed. His faith was most keenly expressed through his support for peace and social justice concerns throughout the world.

Abe enjoyed hunting with his son, hiking, playing fastpitch softball, and writing (including poetry & letters to the editor). He also enjoyed daily crossword puzzles.

Abe loved his wife and children, and adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Surviving along with his wife are his children Shari Nyles (Rick) of Fleetwood, Deborah Good (Phil) of Barto, Rebecca Bergey (Ron) of Hatfield, and Michael Gehman (Carol) of Barto; grandchildren Jordan Good, Rachel Velez, Karissa Good, Matthew Bergey, Michaelah Jacoby, Nathan Bergey, Damaris Mosemann, Jessica Bergey, and Elias Gehman; 4 great grandchildren; and siblings Rhoda, Johanna, Ada, Merrill, and Harley Gehman.

Along with his parents, Abe was predeceased by his brothers Linford, James, Ronald, and Dwight Gehman; and two granddaughters, Sarah and Katherine Good.

A celebration of life service will be held at Bally Mennonite Church, Rt 100, Bally, PA on Saturday, January 13th beginning at 10:30AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Abe’s memory to Mennonite Central Committee, mcc.org, or Water for Life, wflhaiti.org.

Add My Condolences

So very sorry for your loss, prayers for the entire Gehman Family.

~ Diane T. Longacre Reading, PA
12/29/2023 11:16:42 AM

Enjoyed talking to Abe when he would walk past my house. I also remember going to a Phillies game with him and my dad Wilfrid Minner when I was just young. God bless all!

~ Tony Minner
12/22/2023 3:21:52 PM

The first time we visited Bally Mennonite Church, we sat in the Sunday School Class Abe was teaching. I was impressed with his knowledge and the lively discussion he evoked. This was/is a church where people think for themselves and aren’t afraid to disagree—just what I was looking for. Abe always had some carefully thought through comments and questions. I so much enjoyed our discussions. One time I was about to preach and felt unsettled. I asked Abe to pray with me. He prayed very perceptively, and God filled me with peace and confidence. Abe was well-read, and I enjoyed hearing about what he was reading. Now, with Jesus, I’m sure he’s delighted to know more fully. Thanks, Abe! ??

~ Duane Bleam
12/21/2023 10:02:41 AM

We love you Pop!

~ Matt Bergey
12/20/2023 8:12:46 PM

There were times when Abe and I butted heads during Sunday school class....but in retrospect, he laid the foundations for where and who I am today. He was an amazingly godly man and an inspiration to many. I will miss him deeply.

~ Robert Martin Gilbertsville, PA
12/20/2023 7:47:38 PM

I will miss you and the good laughs we always had when we were together. God Bless.

~ Rick Nyles Fleetwood, PA
12/20/2023 4:50:55 PM