Paul Gehred

GEHRED, Paul, a man incapable of unkindness, died unexpectedly of a heart attack on February 21, 2015 at the age of 57, at his home in Dayton, OH. Paul, a meteorologist and solar scientist at AF Research Station, loved his family, friends, science, music, literature, cycling and the whole wide world with uncommon enthusiasm. Paul is survived by his wife Patti Gehred (nee Smith); his children Alison Paige Gehred (Mark Ingles) and Kathryn Irene Gehred; his mother-in-law Karen Smith, and by siblings, Stacey Gehred, Anne (Rick) Gehred Schultz, John (Ann) Gehred, Clare (Marco) Matranga, Larisa Gehred, Beth Gehred, Meg (Dean) Hoornaert, and Bob (Angie) Gehred; brother-in-law Todd (Tracey) Smith; twenty nieces and nephews; dozens of cousins; and much extended family and friends. He is predeceased by his parents, brothers Mike and Jim, father-in-law, Robert Smith, grandparents Anthony and Rose Ingrassia and Jerome and Rose Gehred. Paul was born in Milwaukee on July 20, 1957 to Thomas and Rita Gehred, the second of nine children. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1979 with a degree in Meteorology and worked as a high school science teacher until joining the United States Air Force in 1987. He received a master's degree in Space Physics from Utah State. He rose to rank of Major before retiring from the Air Force Weather Unit in 2006. He greatly enjoyed his post-retirement career as an atmospheric weather researcher at WPAFB. On November 13, 1982, he married the woman who had knocked him off of his feet, Patti. Together they raised two bright and beautiful daughters, who were the most important part of their lives. Paul was a devoted husband, and a singular character known for his unique perspective on the world; a trait that made him both an intuitive scientist, and a delight to spend time with. He shared his zest for life genuinely with everyone he met. He was love and light and will be sorely missed. Visitation will be held at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd. Kettering, OH on Thursday, February 26th from 4 7:00 p.m, with a Memorial Mass the following day, scheduled for 10 a.m. on February 27th at Queen of Apostles Church, 4435 E. Patterson Rd. Beavercreek, OH with Fr. Chris Wittmann officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to foodbankdayton.org. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.routsong.com.

Funeral Home:
Kettering Routsong Funeral Home
2100 E. Stroop Rd.
Kettering, OH
US 45429