Mildred Gebhart

Mildred Josephine Gebhart, 80, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Monday, December 7, 2009, in Fargo, North Dakota.  She was born June 23, 1929, in Faulkton, South Dakota, the daughter of Leo and Isabel (Muehl) Bowar. She grew up on a farm near Faulkton, attending school in Orient, where she graduated as valedictorian. She then worked in the Faulkton Bank. On June 6, 1949, she married Donald P. Gebhart in Faulkton. The couple resided in Miles City, Montana. In 1962 the family moved to Miller, South Dakota, and in 1963 they moved to Fergus Falls. The couple purchased and operated the Piggly Wiggly Grocery Store in Fergus Falls which later became Don’s 10 to 10, and then a new store, Don’s Jack and Jill. They retired from the grocery business in 1985.  Mildred especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, loved cooking and baking, and also enjoyed bowling.  She was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, and the Catholic Daughters, and was very active in the church, volunteering in numerous activities. Preceding her in death were her parents; a son, Robert, who died in 1960; her husband, Donald, who died in 2007; her brother, Kenneth Bowar; a brother-in-law, Ray Murley; and a son-in-law, Robert Lauber. Survivors include five daughters: Mary (Steve) Bisson and Joann Lauber, both of Aurora, CO, Theresa (Joel) Hought of Fergus Falls, Carol (Brent) Manley of Brainerd, MN, and Nancy (Jim) Blank of Alexandria, MN; six sons: Jim Gebhart  of Hendersonville, TN, Pat (Bonnie) Gebhart of Rogers, MN, Ed Gebhart (Jim Acosta) of Albuquerque, NM, Mark (Cheryl) Gebhart of Becker, MN, Pete (Bonnie) Gebhart of Detroit Lakes, MN, and Joe (Karen) Gebhart of Moorhead, MN; 16 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Corrine Murley and Diane (Jerry) Thorin; a brother, Charles (Vonnie) Bowar; and a sister-in-law, Helen Bowar. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home with a 7 p.m. prayer service and  resumes one hour prior to the service at the church Mass of Christian Burial: 11 a.m. Friday, December 11, 2009, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Fergus Falls Officiant:   Father LeRoy Schik Interment: St. Otto’s Catholic Cemetery in Fergus Falls Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com