Wanda English Burnett
Editor

Last week as organizers for a benefit for the Lisa Gehl family were getting things in place, Lisa took a turn for the worst, and passed away on Friday, March 25 at the St. Francis Hospital in Indianapolis.

Christy Sutton with the Napoleon State Bank, told The Versailles Republican, she wasn’t sure the benefit plans would continue. That was Friday. By Sunday, March 27 the originally scheduled benefit was back in place with more support than ever.

The Gehl family has sustained enormous medical expenses after Lisa was diagnosed with leukemia in July of last year. Lisa, who is described as a “beautiful, Christian lady", was married to Jim Gehl and together the couple have five children: Brandon, Matt, Jill, Katie and Cameron.

Lisa had worked for Dr. Kimberly Kick with Margaret Mary Community Hospital until her illness.
The Gehl Family Benefit will be held Sunday, April 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. Maurice Catholic Hall, Napoleon. A roasted pork loin meal with all the trimmings will be served, with carry-outs available at the St. John Lutheran Church. There will be a quilt raffle, silent auction, bake sale, and a 50/50 pot.

Sutton stressed that the benefit is a true “community effort” with many businesses, churches, organizations, students and staff from Jac-Cen-Del school, and individuals pulling together. Travis Neal and Nick Rohlfing have headed up a committee for the benefit and were presented a $1000 check from the Osgood Lions Club.

Everyone is invited to the benefit that will help the Gehl family as they begin their journey without their loved one. It will also show the family how much they and Lisa are loved, according to Sutton.
To volunteer or help with the meal preparation you can contact Rita Gookins at 689-4355, or stevegookins@gmail.com. If you are unable to attend the event, but would still like to donate, you can make monetary donations at The Napoleon State Bank, P.O. Box 9, Napoleon, 47034 payable to: “Gehl Family Benefit.”

Organizations and businesses wanting to donate may contact Sutton at 812-756-0067 or 812-852-4002 or Travis Neal at 812-621-0221 or Nick Rohlfing at 812-852-4081.