Donald F. “Griz” Gephart, 75, of St. Joseph, passed away on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at his home. He had been struggling with pulmonary fibrosis and God, in His perfect wisdom, called Don home.
All are welcome to attend the celebration of life service on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 11AM, at Grace Lutheran Church,404 E. Glenlord Rd., St. Joseph, with Pastor Josh Bishop officiating. Burial will follow at Spring Run Cemetery. Visitation with Don’s family will be on Monday, April 1, 2024, from 5PM until 7PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to Michigan Lutheran High School, 615 E. Marquette Woods Rd., St. Joseph or Grace Lutheran Church, 404 E. Glenlord Rd., St. Joseph. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Don was born on November 2, 1948, to Merle & Rosella (Strobl) Gephart in Benton Harbor. In 1966, he graduated from Benton Harbor High School and then continued his education at Lake Michigan College earning his apprenticeship in tool & die. He worked a few local tool and die shops before retiring from Whirlpool after over 25 years. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy starting in 1971 before being honorably discharged in 1973, and in the Navy Reserves until 1976. On July 5, 1980, Don was united in marriage to Ruth Lohmiller in Henry, South Dakota.
Don was a man of God. His favorite roles in life were being a supportive husband, father and grandfather. He loved to be involved with his children’s activities, following their sports teams everywhere. You would find him on the golf course, at the bowling alley, working in the vegetable garden, making dinner on the grill, or keeping score at MLHS games. He volunteered on the National Ski Patrol at Royal Valley in Buchanan, MI. and then Swiss Valley in Jones, MI.
Don is survived by his wife of 43 years Ruth Gephart; children, Jonathan Gephart of St. Joseph, Abby (Michael) Dill of Stevensville, Brian (Olivia) Gephart of Coloma and Scott (Sierra) Gephart of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Nicholas and Ryan Dill and Hailey Gephart; and siblings, Jerry Gephart of St. Joseph, Karen (Wayne) Kime of Florida, and brother-in-law Ernie Ferguson.
Don was preceded in death by his parents Merle & Rosella Gephart and siblings, Mary Ann Ferguson, Joseph Gephart and Allen Gephart.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.
Memorial Contributions
MICHIGAN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOLGRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH
Service Details
Visitation
When
April 1st, 2024 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Where
Starks & Menchinger Chapel
Address
2650 Niles Rd.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Service
When
April 2nd, 2024 11:00am
Where
Grace Lutheran Church – St. Joseph
Address
404 E. Glenlord Rd.
St. Joseph , MI 49085
Interment
Where
Spring Run Cemetery
Address
M-139 and Scottsdale Rd.
St. Joseph , MI 49085