Brian Gehring Obituary

Brian Keith Gehring

June 5, 1959 - December 21, 2024

Brian Keith Gehring, 65, passed away on December 21, 2024 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks from complications following a stroke (he never liked an obituary that did not list how a person died).

Brian was born June 5, 1959 in Turtle Lake, ND to Norman and Marlene Gehring. He attended school in McClusky where he was an active athlete and well-known mischief maker. Following high school he attended Bottineau College for wildlife management. He then worked for a few years in various fields from surveyor to bar manager before attending college at South Dakota State University receiving a degree in journalism.

Brian began his journalism career in South Dakota, later Carrington, and then joined BHG Inc as a newspaper editor for the Hazen Star. It was here in 1997 where he met his life partner and wife, editor of the McLean County Independent, Karlene. Together their mutual love of journalism and classic rock turned into many years of joy. Brian welcomed and embraced her three children and raised them like they were his own.

Later Brian became the sports editor for the Beulah Beacon, Hazen Star, and Center Republican. His last job, finally united his two degrees and passions, as he became the Outdoor and Wildlife Reporter for the Bismarck Tribune until 2015 when a stroke and Parkinson's complications left him unable to work.

Brian was a gifted guitar player, lover of music, an avid outdoorsman, a respected journalist, a devoted dad, and a deeply caring friend to many.

Brian is survived by his children: Kelsey Hill, Grafton, Carter (Kayla) Hill, Park River, and Connor (Maggie) Hill, Mandan; grandchildren: Gavin Hill-Fylling, Adelaide and Gwendolyn Hill; brothers: Jeff (Deb) Gehring, Bismarck, and Terry (Jackie) Gehring, Minot; nieces and nephews: Nicole, Cara, Brett, Lance, Elizabeth, Emily, Allie, Gabby, and Zakk; and in-laws, Dennis and Vivian Hoogland. He was proceeded in death by his best friend and wife: Karlene; his parents; as well as many other relatives he loved.

For Brian there is no better final word than lyrics from music. He would spend hours a day listening to old favorites and new songs always sharing links to the ones he thought would have meaning to others. Here is one last set of lyrics from Brian to you by one of his favorites, Tom Petty: "You and I will meet again when we're least expecting it. Somewhere in some far off place, I will recognize your face. I won't say goodbye my friend for you and I will meet again.

A graveside service will be held in early June at the Hazen City Cemetery, Hazen, ND.

Words of sympathy may be sent to The Hills, 104 Briggs Ave N, Park River, ND 58270.

An online guestbook is available at www.tollefsonfuneralhome.com.

The Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River is in charge of the arrangements.