Gary W. Gephart

Gary W. Gephart, 62, of Whitefish passed away May 10 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He was born Dec. 2, 1949 in Northfield, Minn., the son of Earl and Jean (Trevis) Gephart.

Gary was raised in Lakeville, Minn., the second of 11 children. In his youth he was a bit of a rebel keeping his parents on their toes. As he grew older he was a very quiet and patient man. Gary worked as a painter and carpenter, but for the last 10 years his job has been volunteering at the North Valley Food Bank.

He met the love of his life, Judy, during a short employment at “The Place” in Whitefish working for his sisters, Mary Lee and Joan. He was fired for not charging a dime for anything to anyone.

Gary enjoyed hunting, camping and spending time up north with his family, but his love of fishing anytime, anywhere, for any fish was his passion. He was proud of his daughter, Jade, as he watched her grow up riding horses, swimming and playing soccer. He had the joy of his daughter, Stacey, and her three children as well.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and sweet brother, Joe.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Canzona Gephart; and daughter, Jade Gephart of Whitefish and Stacey (Dan) Vanella of Inver Grove Heights, Minn.; grandchildren, Hunter Hayden and Hannan Vanella; siblings, Gregg (Colleen) Gepart, Mike (Sally) Gepart, Jeanie Gephart, Michelle (Alan) Stedman, Mary Lee (Slick) Sleichter, Joan (Jim Poplawski) Gephart, Lisa Gephart, Gwen Gephart, Tony Gephart, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held today, May 16 at the Moose Lodge in Whitefish from 5-9 p.m.

Arrangements are entrusted to Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish.

You are invited to go to www.austinfh.com to offer condolences, share memories and view Gary’s tribute wall.