Gary W. Gephart, 62

Gary W. Gephart, 62, of Whitefish passed away Thursday, May 10, 2012 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

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 eleven 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, patient man. Gary worked as a painter and carpenter but for the last ten 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; his daughter, Stacey and Dan Vanella of Inver Grove Heights, Minn., and grandchildren Hunter Hayden and Hannan Vanella; his siblings, Gregg and Colleen Gephart, Mike and Sally Gephart, Jeanie Gephart, Michelle and Alan Stedman, Mary Lee and Slick Sleichter, Joan Gephart and Jim Poplawski, Lisa Gephart, Gwen Gephart, and Tony Gephart; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Gary's life will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16 at the Moose Lodge in Whitefish.

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.