Simon Frederick Gerhart

Simon Frederick Gerhart age 84, passed away peacefully after battling Parkinson’s disease for 23 years on Friday, Feb. 17, 2018. Son of Anton and Clementine (Bosch) Gerhart, he was born on Oct. 21, 1933, in Halliday, North Dakota. After graduating from high school, he served two years in the Army. While on leave, he was united in marriage Jan. 15, 1955, to Lorraine Dauenhauer. He then served three years in the National Guard. Upon receiving an honorable discharge, the couple made their home in Bismarck, North Dakota, for 12 years where he was a sergeant with the Bismarck Police Force.

In 1970, he relocated his family to Montana where he worked for National Farmers Union as a Claims Adjustor for 25 years. While living in Lolo, he was active in numerous community affairs, including the development/organization of Spirit of Christ Catholic Community, served on its parish council, the Lolo School Board and the Lolo Mosquito Control Board. He was an avid UM Grizzly football fan, enjoyed sailing on Flathead Lake, traveling to numerous countries, as well as hunting, fishing, hiking and biking. One of his most memorable moments was an Alaskan fishing trip with his three surviving sons.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Lorraine of 63 years; four children, Retired Lt. Col. Robert (Judy), Allan (Kelly), Kevin (Brenda), Lisa (Randy); eight grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Andrew, Grant (Cassie), Gabe (Bailey), Connor, Hannah, Carson; one great granddaughter Myah; one sister Mary Ann Frey (Roland), and one brother Charles (Rose Marie).

Simon was preceded in death by his parents Clementine and Anton, one brother Leonard, and two sons, Steven and Major Frederick Gerhart.

Mass of the Christian Burial with Fr. Ed Hislop and Fr. Jack Darragh presiding, will be Monday, Feb. 26, at 11 a.m. in Lolo at Spirit of Christ Parish, 5475 Farm Lane. A luncheon will follow. Internment at the MT Veterans Cemetery in Missoula will be at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Spirit of Christ Parish, Lolo, or the Parkinson’s Foundation.