Michael Robert Gehner, 52, of Worden, IL, passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, IL.

He was born February 28, 1973, in Staunton, IL, to Robert and Erna (née Hoffman) Gehner. Michael earned his associate degree from Lincoln Technical Institute in Indianapolis, IN. He devoted 33 years of service to Truck Centers Incorporated in Troy, IL, where he worked as a service foreman. Known for his strong work ethic and deep technical knowledge, Michael took great pride in his career and the people he worked with.

Michael was a man of many interests and talents. He was a trivia pro with an impressive memory, an electrical genius, an inventor, and a devoted Muppet enthusiast. He loved cooking, baking, grilling, and hunting, and he was a member of several gun clubs and an avid gun collector.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert E. Gehner; and father-in-law, Stephen Lueck.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Sheila (née Levora) Gehner, whom he married on April 6, 2002; his son, Silas Michael Gehner; his mother, Erna Gehner; his brother, Bill (Dawn) Gehner; his sister, Jennifer Gehner; his sister-in-law, Catherine Lueck; his brother-in-law, Zach Ellerbrook; two nephews, Colten Gehner and Otis Ellerbrook; four nieces, Jessica Lilly Gehner, Taylor Ellerbrook, Pearl Ellerbrook, and Ivy Ellerbrook; a great-nephew, Beau Gehner; mother-in-law, Betty (nee Fitch) Lueck; and father-in-law, W.C. (Denise) Levora.

Memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville, IL.

Memorials are suggested to the education fund for his son, Silas, or Glen-Ed Food Pantry. Donations will be accepted at the visitation or may be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.