Gustav Martin Gehlhar passed away Dec. 13 in Rock Springs, where he had resided for most of his adult life. Gehlhar was born in San Francisco soon after his parents relocated from the Midwest. He spent most of his childhood in Napa, Calif. growing up in the St. John’s Lutheran parsonage, which at that time was on Second Street, in downtown Napa.
After growing up in Napa, and graduating from St. John’s Lutheran School and Napa High School, Gehlhar attended Napa Valley College before serving for a time in the United States Army. An avid fisherman and hunter, an individual always on the hunt from the time he was a young boy, he became a career outdoorsman. His family members made numerous trips to see “Uncle Gus” who would take them on quite memorable, rugged and wild camping, hiking and fishing adventures.
Always quick with a strong opinion, and point of view, Gehlhar was also keenly aware of healthy living before it was the trend. He lived an active, vibrant and focused life. Gus was the consummate mountain man loved by his family, and respected by his peers. He worked in the logging business and fur trapping industry for his entire life. He was doing what he loved, out checking his trapping lines, on his very last night.
Gus is survived by his sister Elaine (Gehlhar) Adams and her husband Jay Adams; nieces Laura Kostelac (John) and Lisa Walter (Greg), grandniece Grace Walter as well as several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Gustav F. Gehlhar and Margaret (Klug) Gehlhar.
Services will be held with his family in Napa, Calif. Wednesday. Memorials can be made to the St. John’s Lutheran Church and School in Napa, Calif. Kitchen Fund.
Condolences may be left at http://www.vasefuneralhomes.com.
Reader Comments(0)