Gerhmann J. "Gary" Reinhard

Just 33 days after he was diagnosed with fourth-stage pancreatic cancer, Gerhmann "Gary" Joe Reinhard passed peacefully in his home with his wife, one son and daughter by his side and his youngest son en route to return for the second time to be with him.

Born on May 23, 1939, in Callaway, Neb., as the middle child of seven children to John and Maxine Reinhard, Gary was no stranger to medical adversity; he was one of only two Americans to have survived three separate polio attacks as a child. Told he would likely never walk, Gary won eight out of nine track events in eighth grade.

Gary left home at a young age to assist the Bennie Herboldsheimer family of Potter, Neb. - distant relatives - with the many duties inherent to farming, and while doing so also had the opportunity to finish high school under their loving care.

Gary met Betty Jean Madden, his future bride, at Potter Public High School, and they were married in 1959. Shortly after they married, Gary was drafted and served from November 1961 to November 1963 in the U.S. Army, followed by two years in the Army Reserves.

The couple moved in 1965 to Gillette, Wyo., when Gary found a job with Hughes Tool Company. Their first son, Robin Joe, was born the same year, followed shortly by their daughter, Amber Jean, in 1967. Relocated by Hughes Tool Company to Rock Springs, Wyo., their son Howard James was born in 1968.

Gary built a playhouse complete with indoor plumbing in their pruned yard where the family lived - a favorite memory of his children. Hired by Aid Association for Lutherans, Gary moved his family to Bozeman in 1972, where he worked until retirement in financial security.

Gary and Betty celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year in Bozeman, where they've made their home for the last 38 years. He will be sorely missed by his family, but they take comfort in knowing he is with his Lord and Savior.

He is survived by his loving wife, Betty; his son, Robin (Michel) of Cleveland, Tenn.; his daughter, Amber Jean (Paul) of Livingston; and his son, Howard (Tiffany) of Watertown, Minn.; three granddaughters, Chloe, Rochelle and Kiera; and one grandson, Corbin; special friends, Zach, Ally, Samantha, and Jake; siblings, Don, Keith, Carl, Loyal, Virginia and Barbara, all of Nebraska; many nieces and nephews; and many grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, John and Maxine (Moore) Reinhard.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bozeman Deaconess Foundation, c/o Hospice, 931 Highland Blvd. Suite 3200, Bozeman, MT 59715.

A memorial service will be scheduled for a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service; www.dokkennelson.com.