Louis H. Gehlbach

Louis Henry Gehlbach, 93, of St. Johnsbury, VT, passed away on May 21, 2026 at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative & Hospice Care.

Lou was born on May 16, 1933, in New York City, son to the late Ethel (Anderson) Gehlbach and Louis H. Gehlbach.

After graduating in 1951 from Spaulding High School in Barre, he went on to earn degrees at Tufts, Temple, and the University of Vermont.

Lou was employed as a Mechanical Engineer at McDonnell Aircraft until 1960 when he entered the teaching profession. After a career teaching secondary level math and science in both public and private schools throughout New England, Lou, in 1969, surrendered the classroom to take on the challenges of school administration. These years were followed by ten more as an Educational Consultant with the Vermont Department of Education.

After retirement in 1995, Lou continued to serve in a variety of community roles. He served as a school board member, moderator, planning commission member, lister, provider of free medical equipment, Guardian Ad Litem, and numerous lesser roles such as Fence Viewer and Weigher of Coal.

Lou is survived by his blended family with whom he loved sharing in their lives: Son Dr. Peter Gehlbach, of Baltimore, MD; son David (Mary) Gehlbach of Barre, VT; daughter Kimberlee Quarles of Festus, MO; daughter Heidi (Larry Hatch) Gehlbach of Groton, VT; step-son Bradley (Connie) Hayes of St. Johnsbury, VT; step-daughter Cynthia (John) Robillard of St. Johnsbury, VT; step-daughter Deborah (Dan) Dudas of Danville, VT; sister Margaret Sample of Williamstown, VT; 18 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Lou was predeceased by his parents; loving and devoted wife of 35 years Beverly (Matthews) Gehlbach, daughter Kirsten Gehlbach; sister Jean Curtis; and brothers-in-law Richard Sample & Robert Curtis.

At Lou’s request, there will be no formal services. His cremated remains will be interred at Jedediah Hyde Cemetery in Hyde Park, VT at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions in Lou’s memory can be made to the Jack Byrne Center for Hospice & Palliative Care.

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at saylesfh.com.