Surrounded by the love of beloved companions nearby and far away, Pastor Fred Gehrs died at Royal Jubilee Hospital on June 3, 2026, following a heart attack earlier in the week. Fred was born on February 21,1939, in Chicago IL. He was the youngest child of Gerhard and Martha (Drebes) Gehrs. He spent formative years in Crystal, ND and loved the people and land of rural North Dakota throughout his life.
On July 28, 1963, Fred married Karen Steiner of Jackson, MN. In a marriage full of love, care, humour and generosity, they took care of each other from the day they met and were always looking for ways to serve their neighbours and encourage the church. They had three children: the late Lisa Gehrs, Ken Gehrs (Alice Palmer), and Paul Gehrs (Melanie Whyte). They also have two grandchildren: Emma Gehrs-Whyte and Andrew Gehrs-Whyte.
Fred was ordained as a pastor with the Lutheran church on June 14, 1964. He served for twenty years in ministry with deaf people, first in Manitoba and then in British Columbia. Subsequently, he served for twenty years as a prison chaplain with Correctional Service Canada, first in Ontario and then in British Columbia. He retired in 2005. Fred was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church, in Chilliwack, BC for many years. In August 2025, Fred and Karen moved to Sidney, BC to live with their son Ken. They shifted their membership to Lutheran Church of the Cross in Victoria and also enjoyed worshiping at St. Andrew Anglican Church in Sidney.
Fred lived a good, long and faithful life. He will be missed by many family, friends, neighbours and colleagues.
Fred was predeceased by his daughter Lisa in 1999. He was also predeceased by his brother Gerhard Gehrs Jr. and sister-in-law Marilyn Gehrs; his brother-in-law Duane Steiner and sister-in-law Carolyn Steiner.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lisa Gehrs Scholarship Fund of Martin Luther University College (www.luther.wlu.ca), or to the Endowment Fund of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (www.elcic.ca), or a charity of one’s choice.
A memorial service will be held on June 16, 2026, at 2:00 pm pacific time at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Victoria B.C. The service will be live-streamed (www.lutheranvictoria.ca).
I will always remember Fred’s kindness to me as a CTEL student and then newly ordained middle career pastor. Also, he showed up for me when it mattered – schlepping all the way from Chilliwack two years ago to be with me and my family for our son’s funeral.
I regret that I cannot attend his funeral due to an inflexible work commitment. To honor his memory I am making a donation to theLisa Gehrs Scholarship Fund of Martin Luther University College (www.luther.wlu.ca).
My deepest condolences to Paul Karen, and all of Fred’s family.
Fred and Karen were invaluable to Holy Trinity Evanelical Lutheran Church in Belleville. Karen was working with our finances, and Fred provided much need pastoral services. Fred Married Dale and Maxine 36 years ago! His humouver undeniable, and his stand to this day with us. We have missed Fred and Karen. Most sincere condolences to all who have had the pleasure of spending time with this incredible, memorable person, and to his family, keep those wonderful times in your hearts. Maxine & Dale, HTELC, Belleville, ON
I worked with Fred for many years in Corrections and after his retirement, often ran into him volunteering at the Chilliwack Chiefs games. He was a lovely man with the biggest heart and most warming smile. You will be missed dearly, Fred.
My deepest condolences to Fred’s family ❤️
I worked with Fred in chaplaincy. So many memories! Our shared ministry which meant so much to Fred and to me. Our fun times meeting for coffee in Agassiz with our team of chaplains. His humour, his laughter, his depth! His love. You are missed.
I worked with Fred in prison chaplaincy. I loved his irrascible humour and his unshakable commitment to ministry. May light perpetual shine upon him.
Dear family Gehrs we like to express our deepest condolences to all that new and loves Fred. We never had the pleasure to met him but from the sounds of it he lived a life of service and compassion. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all Marianne and Hans Bucheli
Condolences to you and everyone who loved him. It sounds like he had a good life.
A flood of memories came to mind when I heard of Fred’s passing – encounters with the Gehrs family in Ontario, BC, and Manitoba. My sympathies and prayers continue to be with the rest of the family. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.