David T. Gehring

David T. Gehring, 74, of Eau Claire passed away peacefully with his family at his side on February 24 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire.

He was born on October 29, 1950 in Eau Claire, to Arnold and Donaldeen (Hovland) Gehring.  He graduated from Memorial High School in 1968 and the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire in 1973.

Dave spent his career as a licensed real estate appraiser, and chose to be self-employed, which allowed him the flexibility to be a caregiver, ever-present father, and witness to the many academic and athletic achievements of his children and nieces and nephews.

Dave was a neighborhood child of the 1950s and 1960s, particularly proud of growing up in his beloved Shawtown and of his family roots in Bloomer.  He liked traveling back roads, and was a skilled map reader.  He refused navigation tools and never wore a watch or carried a cellphone.  He found joy in the simple aspects of daily life: going to the store for milk, standing in the street talking to neighbors, paying only in cash, and picking up food for his wife when she worked late.   He looked forward to spontaneous road trips with his best friend, Dick Freitag, along with their weekly Wigwam and Dairy Queen lunches, Sunday nights at Sammy’s Pizza, and his legendary phone calls each night to catch up with his mother and brother.

A lifetime member of Grace Lutheran Church, Dave was a proud competitive participant in Church League softball, and in league basketball at the YMCA.  He would drive countless hours each way to watch his children and nieces and nephews play sports and participate in other events, often unannounced and on his own.  He caught World Series innings and game winning touchdowns in the backyard and vacant lot, and in the winter he was inside working with his model railroad.  In his younger years he played the drums, and was a devoted fan of the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps; when he became physically unable to attend their shows, he listened from the parking lot, with the car windows down. His personality was wry and sometimes wacky – but always with an underlying optimism about those he cared about most.  Though he would admit it only quietly, he lived a proud and deeply meaningful life on his own terms, and worked to bring that spirit to others. He made time to look after others without complaint; nobody was ever an inconvenience.

Dave’s family extends its heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire, particularly Dr. K. Wergeland and Jen Motto, PA-C; Dr. Hayley Stantz and nurse Katie, and to Pastor Phil Ruge-Jones, for their ongoing care, presence, and prayers over the course of Dave’s health journey.

David is survived by his wife Roxanne (McLeod) Gehring, three children, Matthew (Jason Hed), Nathan (Erin), and Meghan (John Lecy); his five grandchildren, Josie, Beckett, and Hokan Gehring, and Scout and Warren Lecy; his brother Richard (Linda) Gehring; numerous nieces and nephews; and several close friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Donaldeen (Hovland) and Arnold Gehring, his mother- and father-in-law, Anna (Dumars) and William S. McLeod, Jr., and other extended relatives.

Dave, we love you and are grateful for the memories.  Know that you never walked alone.

David's celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 17, 2025 at Grace Lutheran Church, 202 W Grand Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54703 with Pastor Dr. Philip Ruge-Jones officiating. Visitation will take place at the church on Monday (3/17/2025) from 10 am until the time of service. Commital service will take place in the Lakeview Cemetery in Eau Claire immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, Dave’s family prefers memorials directed to the Chippewa Valley Railroad; the Flying Eagles Ski Club; the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps; or Grace Lutheran Church of Eau Claire.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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