George M. Gehant, III, age 80, died on February 11, 2026 at his home in Brookings, South Dakota after a brief illness. A private burial was held on Friday, February 13, and a memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 6 at First Lutheran Church, Brookings with a visitation one hour prior to the service.

George was born on March 27, 1945 in Brookings, SD. He was the son of George Jr. and Margaret (Trygstad) Gehant. He was baptized at First Lutheran Church in Brookings. George grew up in Madison, MN where he excelled in debate and extemporaneous speaking. He graduated from St. Olaf College in 1967. While there, he attended Oxford University, England.

He met Mavis Marquardt, his future wife, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in East Boston, MA while attending Harvard Divinity School.They were married on June 10, 1970 and continued living in East Boston where George served as an intern in inner city ministry.

He received his BD in 1970 and ThM in 1972 from Harvard and after continuing religious education for several years, became ordained on June 24, 1976.

George’s career in ministry included roles as parish pastor at El Sereno Lutheran Church in California and St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Altamont, Illinois, hospital chaplain for eleven years in St. Louis, Missouri, coordinator for rural mental health services in Missouri during the farm crisis, hospice chaplain in rural Illinois, chaplain in Brookings, SD at United Living Community, and supply pastor at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Flandreau, SD and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Brookings, SD. At various times throughout his career he continued his religious education in church history, liturgy, and Lutheran theology. A significant milestone in his development as a chaplain was his residency in clinical pastoral education at St. Luke’s Hospital in St. Louis.

Pastoral care was George’s true calling. He was as comfortable and capable ministering to a family in crisis in the ICU as presenting a children’s sermon or praying with an elderly resident of a nursing home. Connecting with people, supporting them through their most difficult moments, and preaching the gospel message to lift people up were George’s greatest strengths and passion.

George was a longtime advocate and demonstrator for peace, abolition of the death penalty, and justice for people suffering poverty and oppression. He was most recently a member of Pax Christi and active in the National Alliance for Rural Mental Health. Over the years, George was a member of many other service organizations including the Red Cross, Lyons Club, and Kiwanis.

George loved travelling and sharing time in the outdoors with his family. Every trip was an opportunity to learn about the plants, animals, or history of each place he visited. Camping in MO state parks, exploring Bayfield, WI, and trips to Norway and Germany with his family were significant events. In addition, the family cabin at Lake Campbell was a special place for George. His favorite memories included July 4th fireworks and family skits, and campfires with his grandchildren.

George and Mavis were married for 56 years and are the parents of Kristianna Maria Marquardt married to Nick Siddens of Astoria, SD and Julianna Elizabeth married to Jacob Bosmoe of Moorhead, MN. Their grandchildren are Luna and Georgia Siddens and Bjorn Bosmoe.

George has three siblings: James Gehant, husband of DeAnna of Little Falls, MN; Nancy Cullen of Moorhead, MN; and David Gehant, husband of Majorie of Spicer, MN.

George was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials may be sent to Feeding South Dakota, Global Refuge, or Lutheran World Relief.