Daniel Joseph Gebhardt

Daniel Joseph Gebhardt, age 72, of Bozeman, MT passed away November 8, 2016 after a sudden battle with cancer. Dan was born in Orange, CA on January 21, 1944 to parents Harold and Maxine Manos Gebhardt. He was raised in North Bend, OR 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. While pursuing his MD from the University of Oregon Medical School, he traveled to Kenya where he practiced missionary 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.

Following his outreach work in Kenya, Dr. Gebhardt dedicated his life serving rural communities in Montana and South Dakota. After the completion of his residency in Fresno, CA, Dr. Gebhardt worked in Eastern Montana with Indian Health Services. It was during this time that Dan was introduced to his future wife, Bonnie, and the two began their lives together in Hardin, MT. Dan and Bonnie Running were married in Spearfish, SD on October 20, 1979. Dan and Bonnie were blessed with 37 wonderful years together. Into their marriage, Dan brought with him 3 beautiful children (Meris, Sarah, and Eric) from his previous marriage to Patricia Kerns. He and Bonnie then added two younger daughters 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.

Alongside Dan’s commitment to his medical practice and family, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, running, rebuilding Model A vehicles, and working in his wood shop. In all his activities, he is most remembered for his selflessness, always taking the time to teach from his wisdom and genuine concern for others. Dan was an outstanding father, husband, friend, and physician. The legacy he leaves will surely live on within the lives of his children and grandchildren.

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, MT; daughter Meris Gebhardt of Portland, OR; daughter Sarah Ward of Lake Oswego, OR; son Eric (Kristi) Gebhardt of San Carlos, CA; daughter Betsy (Jerad) Biggerstaff of Bozeman, MT; daughter Carrie (Toby) McClaughry of Lake Oswego, OR; 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, November 22 at Dahl Funeral Chapel. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 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.