Frank Nathan Gebeck, 89, of rural Buda, Illinois passed away on Monday, August 19th, 2024, at OSF St. Clare Hospital in Princeton.

Frank Nathan Gebeck was born on July 2nd, 1935, at the family homestead in rural Buda, Illinois, the son of Charles Raymond and Ella Hansine (Knudsen) Gebeck. He graduated from Sheffield High School in 1953, where he enjoyed playing basketball and was co-captain of his team. Frank was musically talented, participating in the choir, playing the violin in the orchestra, and the saxophone in band. After high school, Frank attended Western Illinois University in Macomb for two years, where he was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. He then transferred to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, graduating in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. After graduation, Frank began working as a soil scientist for the United States Department of Agriculture in Sterling. He was later drafted into the United States Army where he served in Korea. Upon returning from Korea, Frank spent the rest of his life farming the family farm established in 1872. He took great pride and pleasure in farming with his brother, Conrad, and his son, William.

Frank married Patricia Kay Nelson on December 18th, 1960, at the First United Methodist Church in Princeton. They raised their six children and continued to expand the family farm in the Buda/Sheffield area. Frank and Patricia celebrated 59 years of marriage together before she passed away on July 10th, 2019.

Frank was the father of the Rolling G’s family tumbling act in the 1970s and the leader of the 4-H Coal Creek Club. He was a member of the First United Church of Christ, Ames Masonic Lodge and Walnut Masonic Lodge #722. He received his 33rd degree of the Scottish Rite with the Masons. This is a supreme honor that is bestowed only on those who have demonstrated outstanding service to the Brotherhood, as well as professional and personal accomplishments. Frank was a director of the Farmers State Bank in Sheffield and was also part of a men’s bowling league for many years

Frank was a very sentimental man who cherished his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter. He took great pleasure in listening to his son, Charles, play the piano as his daughters gathered around to sing. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting and music events. He looked forward to his mornings where his son, William, would cook him eggs every single day. Frank never missed a day watching Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. He loved reading The Wall Street Journal and wanted to share articles with anyone that came into his home. There wasn’t an animal that he wouldn’t feed, including the family of racoons in his backyard. Frank adored his dogs, Eddie and Edna, and his cat, Kitty. Fried chicken, chocolate shakes, and mints were just a few of his favorites. He was also very philosophical and was well known for his one-liners: “We all fill a slot in time,” and “Nobody asked to be born,” just to name a few. Frank found great joy in the simple things in life, nature, and in God’s perfect creations. He would tell you that he never worked a day in his life since he loved the farm and what he did. He lived his entire life at home with the support of his family and the help of wonderful, compassionate caregivers who became like family. He was the patriarch of the Gebeck family and his legacy will be forever cherished.

Survivors include sons, Charles Gebeck of Princeton and William Gebeck of Buda; daughters, Angella Hughes of Princeton, Melissa (Mark) Warzecha of Geneva, Jennifer (Robert) Vaessen of Gurnee, and Katherine (Michael) Pratt of Neponset. Also surviving are grandchildren, Frank Gebeck II, Danielle and Rebecca Hughes, Marissa Warzecha, and Hannah, Jennifer, Elizabeth, and Ryan Pratt; great-grandchild Lorelle, sister-in-law, Nancy Frank, Peru, IL, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; sister, Gertrude Ann Gebeck Cole, and brother, Conrad William Gebeck. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 23rd at First United Church of Christ, Sheffield. Rev. Carole Hoke and Gaile Arnold will officiate. Burial will be in Sheffield Cemetery with military rites by Neponset/Sheffield American Legion. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at the church. Memorials may be made to United Church of Christ Sheffield or Walnut Lodge #722 A.F. & A.M. Stackhouse-Moore Funeral & Cremation Services, Sheffield is assisting the family

Condolences may be expressed at Frank’s obituary at www.stackhousemoore.com.