Daniel Joseph Gebhardt

Daniel Joseph Gebhardt, age 72, of Bozeman, passed away Nov. 8, 2016 after a sudden battle with cancer. Dan was born in Orange, Calif., on Jan. 21, 1944, to parents Harold and Maxine Manos Gebhardt. He was raised in North Bend, Ore., alongside his siblings Gary and Susan and attended the North Bend School District through his successful completion of high school. Dan attended the University of Portland where he completed undergraduate coursework that enabled him to pursue his passion, a career in medicine.  Throughout his medical career, Dr. Dan received the reputation due him: a great man whose life mantra of "living simply, loving generously, caring deeply, and always speaking kindly" preceded him in any endeavor he undertook. Although a brilliant man, Dan possessed the unique ability to relate to everyone. His compassion and understanding allowed him to transcend economic and cultural barriers, touching countless lives. Dr. Dan's medical career took him many places, including Spearfish, S.D., where he was married to Bonnie Running on Oct. 20, 1979. Into their marriage, Dan brought with him three beautiful children (Meris, Sarah, and Eric) from his previous marriage to Patricia Kerns, later adding his two youngest children (Betsy and Carrie). All the children were raised alongside one another and their love and adoration for their father is forever indelible. Dan loved his family with the same, deep fervor and integrity that followed him throughout his entire life.

Dan is preceded in death by his parents Maxine and Harold Gebhardt; brother Gary; and sister Susan. He is survived by wife Bonnie Gebhardt of Bozeman; daughter Meris Gebhardt of Portland, Ore.; daughter Sarah Ward of Lake Oswego, Ore.; son Eric (Kristi) Gebhardt of San Carlos, Calif.; daughter Betsy (Jerad) Biggerstaff of Bozeman; daughter Carrie (Toby) McClaughry of Lake Oswego, Ore.; seven grandchildren; and a large extended family of nieces and nephews.

A Vigil will be held for Dan at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 22, at Dahl Funeral Chapel. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23 at Holy Rosary Catholic Parish with interment immediately ensuing at Sunset Hills Cemetery. Donations may be made in Dr. Dan's honor to the Gallatin Valley Land Trust at 212 S. Wallace #102 Bozeman, MT 59715. Dan's full length obituary is available to read at www.dahlcares.com where condolences and memories may also be shared with his family.