To view the funeral service, click here: https://youtu.be/BKC3VTLv16o?si=8xiTE0qwJIk4dPtH

MOHALL - Thomas Edward Gehringer, Sr., 74, of Mohall, was raised up on eagle's wings when he passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday, February 21, 2025, on his farmstead.
Tom wore many hats in his very full life:  husband, father, grandfather, brother, veteran, uncle, business owner, Catholic, community advocate and friend to all.  He was excited to add Great-Grandpa to his long list in August.  The title that most suited him varied by the season as he was a master at all and on his path to "get 'er done."
Tom was born on October 1, 1950, to Daniel and Mildred (Ahmann) Gehringer at a Minot hospital.  They lived a short while in Washington but returned to Mohall where he attended elementary through high school, before enlisting in the Army in 1968.  While serving in Vietnam, Tom earned his GED.  He later would receive an honorary diploma from Mohall High School in 2002.
Tom enlisted at 18 years old and spent both his 20th and 21st birthdays in combat.  While serving, Tom received the following honors:  Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device, Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar.  He was also proud to be given the "Morale Builder" recognition while serving.
When Tom returned to Mohall from Vietnam, he purchased his dream car, a Placer Gold 1972 Rally Nova from Allen Chevrolet Garage.  However, it wasn't long before he met Judy Aasen, a stunning girl working at The Paragon Cafe, and he soon discovered that she was the one who truly captured his heart.
Tom and Judy were wed at St. Jerome Catholic Church on May 11, 1974.  The following year, Tom became proud father to his first born, Julie Ann.  Thomas James Jr. (Tiger) came a few years later and Jessica Jo (Books) was born in 1982.  In 1999, Tom became Papa T when his first grandchild was born.  Despite his many accomplishments, Tom's family was his true pride and joy.
As Tom's family grew, so did his career ambitions.  He started working at Farmers Union after military discharge and remained there for 11 years, progressing into their propane delivery role. He then joined Behm's/Vig Oil, where he stayed for several years before starting Propane Services in 1990.  He continued there until retirement in 2018 when he passed his legacy business onto his youngest and her husband.  Tom worked hard delivering propane, but enjoyed HVAC work the most.  He never wanted anyone to be cold so would gladly make service calls at all hours of the day or night.
Tom and Judy were successful proprietors who ventured into a new realm when they opened Hunter Haven, first on their farmstead and subsequently a hunting lodge south of Mohall.  This 16-year passion project made for many interesting stories and exciting guests, such as Hank Williams, Jr.
As he prepared for retirement, Tom dove right into another venture that led to a series of projects.  He was a proud member of the George T. Taylor American Legion Post #52, Mohall, where he served as Post Commander and other board roles throughout the years.  Tom was also given the "Go-Getter" award through the American Legion.  Building on this and his everlasting patriotism, he started working on a memorial to honor local veterans.  After countless hours spent walking 23 cemeteries over a 6-year span, researching and coordinating any missing veteran names and lining up the logistics, The Renville County Deceased Veterans Memorial was dedicated on July 15, 2017.  Tom was also instrumental in ensuring local cemeteries had intact flags and coordinated statues at several to honor the veterans buried there.  He was proud of his service, but wanted to ensure his comrades were also honored.  Most recently, he planned a beautiful Veteran's Day program, complete with fly-over.  Because of his work for his fellow Veterans, he was honored in March 2024 as a Scheels Hometown Hero.
Tom liked to fish, play softball, hunt and bowl in his youth, but in later years his hobbies changed.  He enjoyed calling commands for the color guard and could be found most later afternoons at the local pub waiting for a "brother" for whom he could buy a drink or meal.  You may have come across his path on the highway while he was on his ever-daily quest to scout eagles and wildlife, and excitedly return to Mohall to report his findings.  To say he was a friend to all, is not an over statement.  He was quick to remind people he "didn't come there to buy shoes" and always, always, even in the saddest times, professed that "It's a beautiful day to be alive."
Tom was a man with a heart of gold, strong convictions, a cheerful laugh, he embodied patriotism and had a list of phrases that could bring sunlight to the darkest places.  His lived experience came with lessons on love and gratitude that he was happy to share with others.
Family:  Tom leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Judy Gehringer, Mohall; daughters, Julie (Jesse) Chalich, Grand Forks, and Jessica (Ben) Fitzsimmons, Mohall; grandchildren, Jaden (Karin) Chalich, Ethan Chalich, Morgan Chalich, Maggie Chalich, Braxton Fitzsimmons, Raegan Fitzsimmons and Ava Barbot; siblings, JoAnn Zearley, James Gehringer and Lavonne Erickson; brothers- and sisters-in-law and several nieces and nephews, each who felt they were his favorite.  He also leaves behind wisdom and grace that echo in his words, "Keep Smilin' and saying Hello."
Tom was preceded in death by:  Tom suffered the greatest heartbreak of his life with the passing of his son, T.J., in 2020.  Knowing they walk together again gives us much solace.  He also joins in heaven his parents, his in-laws, Roy and Virginia Aasen; and sisters-in-law, Jerrie Johnson and Deborah Aasen; and brother-in-law, Steven Zearley.
If you had the honor of knowing Tom, you no doubt share in this loss.  We welcome you to join us in worship, prayer and remembrance.
Funeral: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church, Mohall.
Burial: Mohall Community Cemetery, Mohall.
Recitation of the Rosary: 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 28, 2025, at St. Jerome Catholic Church, Mohall.
Visitation: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, at St. Jerome Catholic Church, Mohall.  Friends may also sign the online guestbook at brosefuneralhome.com.
(Brose Funeral Home, Mohall)