Dean Gehring

Our dear, joyful, fun loving Dean passed away on November 1, 2007 at home, after fighting a courageous battle against cancer. He was born in Minnesota to Edward Gehring and Floy Root Gehring. Dean lived his life as fully as possible. A life of quiet faith which was an example for all in the family to follow. He always saw the best in every person and situation. He enjoyed people and always had a smile, never meeting a person with whom he could not strike up a conversation or tell a joke. His life was set by high standards of hard work, humanity, grace, giving, sacrifice and honesty. Dean worked for 13 years in PSNS, before owning the Bremerton A&W, the Fashion Set Beauty Shop and VIP?s Restaurant, also in Bremerton. After selling all the businesses he was semi-retired, but continued to work in remodeling and building homes. Dean married Marcie Peterson in 1952 and they had four children. In 1984 he married Punki (Pearlena Lyons) Lindsley joining together their families. Sprint car racing was his passion and he was honored by being inducted into the Kitsap Sports Hall of Fame this year for his involvement in motor sports. He is survived by his wife Pearlena (Punki), daughter Margie (Tim) Quimby of Bremerton, son Lee Gehring of Bellevue, daughter Anita Rae Glasgow of Mill Creek, and daughter Juanita Gae (Rory) Bridges of Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, and step children, Debi (Dale) Smith and Darryl (Debi) Lindsley Port Orchard, Dalynne (Goldie) Singleton, Bremerton and Darryn "Rick" Lindsley Great Falls, Montana as well as sisters, Louise Ness and Wilma Jordan, of Port Orchard, Lorraine (Bill) Mahoney of Union Gap, Patty (Jerry) Levenseller of Tacoma, sister-in-laws, Ikie Gehring of Libby, Montana, and Glennys Gehring of Port Orchard; brothers, Lonnie (Sue) Gehring, Port Orchard, Joe (Phyllis) Gehring Tacoma, Humphrey Gehring, Olalla, plus numerous nieces and nephews. He was lovingly called "Papa Deano" and together he and Punki have 15 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He always had an open lap, or would give them an enthusiastic "Hard High Five"! Dean was preceded in death by his mother, father, 2 brothers, Lee and Robert "Buck" and sister Nancy. Dean was a member of Christian Life Center in Port Orchard and was always involved in their outreach functions. A Celebration of Dean's life will be held at Christian Life Center at 1780 SE Lincoln Avenue in Port Orchard on November 17, 2007, at 1:30 p.m. followed by a reception. Arrangements by Rill's Tribute Center, 1151 Mitchell Avenue, Port Orchard. Flowers may be sent to Christian Life Center, 1780 SE Lincoln Avenue, Port Orchard or donations in his name may be made to Hospice of Kitsap County or The American Cancer Society.