Ronald Gebhart | 1947 - 2026

Ronald Gebhart passed from this life on January 13, 2026. He died at home, as was his wish, surrounded by the family with whom he wanted to spend every moment possible.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., August 7, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gettysburg, South Dakota, with the Rosary preceding at 10:30 a.m. Ron’s family will lay him to rest near his parents.

Ron was born on August 17, 1947, in Faulkton, South Dakota, to Bernadine “Curly” and Harold Gebhart. When he was one year old, the family moved to Gettysburg, South Dakota, where he grew up and attended school, graduating from Gettysburg High School in 1965. He later attended South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City, graduating in 1970 with a degree in Civil Engineering. It was there that he met the love of his life, Lesley Kinsley.

Ron and Lesley were married on April 8, 1972. They made their home in Chamberlain, South Dakota, where Ron worked for the South Dakota Department of Transportation and, together, they operated their own engineering firm. In 1984, they packed a truck with their belongings, two dogs, and their one-year-old daughter and headed north to Fairbanks, Alaska, where they would build the life they had always hoped for. Though Alaska became home, South Dakota always remained in Ron’s heart, and he made sure his family returned every year to visit and stay connected with both sides of their extended family.

In Alaska Ron joined what was then Roen Design and remained with the company for the next 28 years, eventually becoming a partner and later, in the PDC era, its president. He was a gifted civil engineer whose judgment was trusted by clients and colleagues alike, but those who worked with him often remember something else first. Ron took great pride in helping young engineers find their footing, generously sharing his knowledge, encouraging their growth and celebrating their progress. The success of those he mentored meant far more to him than any title or personal accomplishment.

As proud as Ron was of his career, his family was always his greatest priority. He rarely missed a concert, hockey game, gymnastics meet, or wrestling match. He was his children’s strongest advocate and steady source of advice and friendship throughout their lives.

Most of the family’s favorite memories were made outdoors. Camping trips, fishing the Gulkana River, canoeing, bird hunting, bow hunting, and countless adventures across Alaska became traditions that shaped his children and will be shared with his grandsons.

After retiring in 2013, Ron devoted much of his time to the family cabin on the Goodpaster River, a place he designed and built with the help of his wife, children, and friends. The cabin became a gathering place for family and there were few things he enjoyed more than a productive day of carpentry and ending the evening in the sauna. Retirement suited Ron well. He traveled, faithfully walked his dog Rusty every day—rain, snow, or shine—and delighted in showing visiting family members the Alaska he had come to love.

Above all, Ron was devoted to his family. He loved his wife deeply, and the love they shared for more than five decades was the foundation of a life well lived. His wisdom, wit, and consideration will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many people whose lives are better because they knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Lesley; his daughter, Elisabeth Gebhart (Daniel Yevseyev); his son, Nicholas Gebhart (Alecia Finley); and his grandsons, Remy and Asa Gebhart, all of Fairbanks.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

The family extends its sincere gratitude to the caregivers, friends, and family members whose kindness and support meant so much during Ron’s final months.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Ron’s arrangements.