Chester Gerhart

Chester L. Gerhart, age 75, of Austin, died Saturday, March 24, 2018 at his home. Chet was born March 10, 1943 in Austin to Edward Sr. and Beatrice (Clark) Gerhart. He attended both Queen of Angels and Pacelli High School. Chet later received his GED from the University of Kansas while serving in the Army from 1962 to 1965. In 1992 Chet returned to school at Austin Vocational School and received his degree as an Electronics Technician at the age of 49. On December 22, 1967 he married Barbara Iverson-Mauer in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Chet soon after adopted Barb’s girls, Marie and Renee. Within a few years they added two more daughters, Anissa and Kimberly. Chet was very protective and proud of all his girls. Later in life the family was completed with the addition of Bunker, Boe, and Zeus (their beloved pups). Chet had numerous jobs (may times several at once) to support his family throughout his life. He worked for Mayflower Moving in Austin, Wilsons in Albert Lea, and MidTown Auto and Carwash in Austin. He managed “Wags” carwash and service station in Casper, Wyoming, owned his own DX station in Austin, and worked for Austin Cab & Ambulance. Chet also joined Howard Bolverhouse in business building corn silos and cement slabs, was a shop foreman for Madsen Truck Lines in Albert Lea, and also repaired Thermo-Kings for McFarland Trucking in Austin. After Chet earned his degree as an Electronics Technician he went to work for Telex in Blue Earth and finally retired from Hormel as a mechanic in 2008. Over the years Chet has enjoyed many activities including, hunting, fishing, cars, motorcycles, and boating. He has been an active member of the Moose Lodge for many years where he served as Governor from 1982-83. Later in life Chet took up golfing, enjoyed working his hobby farm and feeding the many birds on the property. Survivors include his wife, Barb, Austin; daughters and sons-in-law, Marie (Ray) Steichen, Spring Valley, Renee (Gary) Morgan, Colorado, Anissa (Jerry) Kilby, Austin, Kimberly (John) Harsha, Park Rapids; 13 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; sisters, Pat Maly, Austin, Betty Veldman, Austin; sister-in-law, Dorothy Gerhart, Austin; many nieces and nephews; beloved pup, Zeus. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Edward Gerhart Jr.; brothers-in-law, Richard Veldman and Loddy Maly II; nephews, Loddy Maly III and Dan Maly; beloved pups, Bunker and Boe. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 am on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at St. Edward’s Catholic Church with Father James Steffes officiating. Friends may call from 5-7 pm on Monday at Mayer Funeral Home and also one hour before the service at the church on Tuesday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post #91 and VFW Post #1216. Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com

Service Information

Cemetery

Calvary Cemetery
4th Drive SW
Austin MN 55912

Visitation

Monday, March 26 2018
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Mayer Funeral Home
600 2nd Street NW P.O. Box 27
Austin MN 55912

Visitation

Tuesday, March 27 2018
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

St. Edward's Catholic Church
2000 West Oakland Avenue
Austin MN 55912

Service

Tuesday, March 27 2018
10:00 AM

St. Edward's Catholic Church
2000 West Oakland Avenue
Austin MN 55912