Gerhart Ernest Stolte

Gerhart was born to Henry and Emma Stolte at home in Gifford, Idaho on September 19, 1926.

Gerhart attended Melrose Grade School and graduated from Gifford High School in 1944. In December 1944 he reported for duty with the United States Army. During his military service Gerhart served with the Army’s Seventh Division in Okinawa and Korea as a Cannoneer and Military Policeman Assistant Squad Leader. He was honorably discharged on November 16, 1946, receiving several service medals.

Following a short time back in Gifford, Gerhart accepted a position at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation where he met the love of his life Betty Wheeler. The couple was married at Richland Lutheran Church on January 23, 1954. The following Sunday they joined Central Lutheran Church in Yakima where he remained a member for 60 years.

Gerhart also worked at Continental Foods and retired from Noel Canning in December 1988.

Gerhart was extremely proud of the fact that he was able to help so many people through his donation of 32.6 gallons of blood. He was also a member of the West Valley Lions Club for many years.

Gerhart is preceded in death by his parents Henry and Emma Stolte, wife of 56 years Betty Stolte and sister Martha Lewis.

Gerhart is survived by children Jacqueline (Mike) Watilo of Chehalis WA, Bruce (Kolleen) Stolte of Henderson NV, and Barbara (Richard) Maier of Moses Lake WA; nine grandchildren Ty (Michelle) Watilo of Longview WA, Joshua (Ashley Bean) Watilo of Gig Harbor WA, Justin (Diane) Watilo of Chehalis WA, Andrew Stolte of Austin TX, Timothy (Kailey) Stolte of Henderson NV, Sarah Stolte of Reno NV, Richard (Holly) Maier Jr. of Lansing MI, Michael (Stephanie) Maier of Pasco WA, Josephus Maier of Moses Lake WA; and great-grandchildren Eliava Watilo, Alayna Watilo, Monica Watilo, Kristen Watilo, Leif Watilo, Karina Watilo, Carter Maier, Paige Maier, and Harper Maier; brothers Alfred Stolte and Walter Stolte; sisters Matilda Haneke, Ella Mueller, and Henrietta Brooks, numerous nieces and nephews; and his family in faith at Central Lutheran Church.

A special thank you to Nila and all of the other wonderful caregivers at Summer Wood Alzheimer’s Special Care Center for the love, dignity and respect they all gave Gerhart.

Viewing will be at Keith & Keith Ninth Avenue Chapel Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday January 5th at Central Lutheran Church in Yakima. Funeral and committal services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday January 6th at Good Hope Lutheran Church in Gifford, Idaho where Gerhart will be laid to rest with Betty, his parents and family.

Memorial contributions can be made to Central Lutheran Church, Good Hope Lutheran Church, or the organization of your choice.

To share a memory of Gerhart, visit www.keithandkeith.com.