Robert August Gehring

Robert August Gehring, 94, enduring sweetheart, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and exemplary friend, passed away at his home on July 7, 2011. He was born in Park City, UT on August 7, 1916 to Archibald Cyrus and Anna Helena Gehrke Gehring.

Bob attended South High School. He worked with the Civil Conservation Corps in Roosevelt and Duchesne, UT where he formed a western singing group and began to sing and yodel on local radio broadcasts. Bob was 22 years old when he made a beauty supply delivery to the Walker Bank Beauty Shop. There he glimpsed a brown-haired beauty practicing the latest dance steps. He knew immediately she was the girl he wanted to marry. On October 28, 1939, Bob Gehring and Bernice Gustaveson were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Theirs is a legendary romance exemplified by unfailing devotion through 71 years of marriage.

Bob faithfully served his church, holding numerous positions, including 16 years as the Assistant LDS chaplain at the Utah State Penitentiary and a couples mission in the North Salt Lake area. Bob had a long career with the US Postal Service, interrupted only by his service in the United States Navy. Later in life, he became a licensed funeral director and spent many years working side-by-side with Dale Holbrook at Holbrook Mortuary in Salt Lake City.

He and Bernice enjoyed many years of travel and dinner parties with cherished lifelong friends. Bob shared his love of fishing with his sons and grandchildren, who will always remember the 4 a.m. pickup time for camping trips with "The Grands." Bob was dedicated to Bernice and their family. He was unfailing in his patience, courage, compassion and humor.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Bernice; sons Stephen (Connie), Blaine (Cheri) and daughter Marsha (David) Fetzer; six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren (three coming soon); and his sister Rhea Worthen. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Fred and Roy and sisters Clara Campbell Alvey and Lillian Brown.

The Gehring family expresses their gratitude to Marjorie and Lowell Wilson, Helen and Daryl McCarty and Janet and Kent Nelson. We appreciate the attentive, respectful care provided by Dr. Alison Schlissman, Danville Support Services, Dr. Anna Beck and Community Nursing Services.

Bob's legacy of patient dignity will be honored at 12 Noon on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at the Holbrook Mortuary (3251 South 2300 East). Friends may call prior to the service from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. Messages and tributes to the family can be posted at: www.holbrookmortuary.com