"Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time in your life. We also feel your loss. Our son, Aaron, (age 14) was taken from us due to the tornado that struck the Little Sioux Scout Ranch on June 11, 2008. No words can describe what you are going through right now and will continue to feel. Just know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and that we are here if you need us. Every day you will begin your "new" normal. Or as I call it, your "new survival". We will pray you through those "news" Bob and Carol Eilerts"
In loving memory of
Christopher Gearhart
June 14, 1990 - August 16, 2008
Christopher Allen Gearhart was born June 14, 1990, in Humboldt, Iowa, the son of Glenn and Mary (Forsythe) Gearhart. He was a 2008 graduate of West Bend-Mallard High School.
Christopher was a member of the United Methodist Church in West Bend where he was active in the Methodist Youth Fellowship Group. He served as President and Vice President of F.F.A. and was honored by his peers as homecoming king in the fall of his senior year. Christopher worked for Helleseth Construction.
An avid outdoorsman, Christopher loved to hunt, fish and trap. He enjoyed SAQ, weightlifting and playing football for the Wolverines. Most of all, Christopher loved to spend time with family and friends, especially, Mindy Bruellman.
On Saturday, August 16, Christopher passed away.
Left to cherish his memory are his parents: Glenn and Mary; sister, Nicole Gearhart; maternal grandparents: George Forsythe of West Bend and Barbara Forsythe of Mesa, Arizona; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Robert and Irene (Christensen) Gearhart.
Tributes
"Greg shared with us the other day- Chris often saved him a chair in history class. I hope he is saving a chair up in heaven now. He also has memories from FFA and football. We always loved to see Chris's rugged exterior and his working man's vehicle- God bless him for being comfortable being himself. I also have fond memories of Chris when I subbed in Mallard. May God carry you through this heartbreak and give you strength. "
"my thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. It is hard to lose one so young but remember the good times and let God in your thoughts."
"words can never heal the hurt but this quote may be of comfort. "When you are sorrowful, look again into your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.""
"Glenn, Mary, and Nicole Christopher was an awesome young boy. He brought joy to my heart with his big smile and great hug. I will miss him forever."
"I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Now Mindy will be with Chris forever."
"My sincere condolences to Chrisâ?? familyâ?¦ There are no words to express the sadness in my heart for you. May God bring you comfort and peace in this very difficult time. "
"~Mary, Glenn, Nicole, Family, & Friends~ We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers in these difficult times. May the Lord greet Chris with his warm, loving arms. Gods blessings. ~Mindy & Jason Wickman~ "
"Glenn, Mary & Nicole: I can't even begin to imagine what you are going thru right now! I still don't have words to express my deepest sympathies, I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't know Chris other than the few times I do remember babysitting, what a great kid! You are in our thoughts and prayers. Cole, Hope, Cael & Caden Pearson"
"You raised a wonderful young man who will truly be missed in our community. May you stay strong, even though your world has been shattered, by reaching out to God, Family and Friends who love and support you."
"Gearhart Family, I'm so sorry for you lost. Christopher was a great friend. I remember like it was yesterday going to school with him in Elementary school and it was only the seven of us in the class. We had good memories together. I will miss him very much. You all are in my prayers."
"There are no words.......take comfort in the many thoughts and prayers shared with you over the next few days. We live in a wonderful community that will support you. Draw upon that as you face the loss of a young man whose life was cut short for our hopes and dreams of him......One moment at a time, one hour at a time, one day at a time. Rose, Vern, and Laura Smith"
"Mary, Glen and Nicole-There are no words -just know that he is taken care of. We will all miss him- David enjoyed his flight with Chris and Jerry. Our prayers are with you and your family."
"Glenn, Mary, and Nicole, There is nothing I can say to ease this pain. We will miss Chris so much. He was easy to love and returned it in his own gruff way. Just know I am thinking and praying for all of you. "
"You will always be family. you treated mindy like a queen. i will never forget the trip to boji. we love you and miss you so much."
"Although our children never met their cousin Christopher, the footprints he left in this world will be an inspiration for them to follow; for a man to touch the lives of so many in his brief time with us, is surely a man to follow. "
"Glenn, Mary and Nicole...We are very sorry for your loss. There are no words to take the pain away, but memories will keep Chris in everyone's heart forever. Know that God is with you throught his all...and he has a greater mission for Chris. You will be in our thoughts and prayers."
"Glenn, Mary and family. So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Love to all, Linda"
"My thoughts and prayers are with you. He was a super young man and I so enjoyed being his teacher. "
"I know that right now there are no words that can console or comfort you. Just know that Chris had grown into a fine young man that you can be so proud of. I truly enjoyed being his teacher. He will be missed by us all. God takes all the good ones...and Chris was one of the good ones."
"We cannot even begin to comprehend this tragic accident and the loss of Chris. He was like one of our own. It has been so hard to be here when are hearts are there with you. We had no idea that when he came to Sam's going away party to say good-bye, that was going to truely be good-bye. We will forever keep him and you in our thoughts and prayers. He is now our St. Christopher, as Colton said, "now he can always see me!" We will be there to grieve properly on Tuesday and always be here with open arms."
"Mary, Glen, Nicole, and family. I am at loss for words, but I wanted you to know we have been thinking of you. If there is anything we can do we would love to help, just call us. Christopher was a fantastic young man. Take Care, Jenny, Tom, Whittney and AJ."
"Words can not express how sorry we are for your loss. He was a great guy and will be missed terribly. He was so good to Lindsey and gave Christopher bear hugs and swung him around. Hold on to the memories. "
"Glenn, Mary and family, Words can't express our sorrow and concern for you in the loss of Chris. We pray that God wraps you in his arms and give you strength. Glenn, I bet your mom and dad were there to welcome him and watching over all of you. Love, Kimberly "