REV. LAWRENCE GEHRING, PhD

December 24, 1921 – December 10, 2021

Lawrence Raymond Gehring was born December 24, 1921. When the Lord ushered His servant home, he was 99 years young!

Lawrence was born in Medicine Hat and was one of 12 children and the youngest male. In his 99 years of living, he served in the Canadian Military working with wounded German soldiers as he could speak fluent German; and more importantly because The Lord trusted his heart of compassion. It was this heart of compassion and love for the Lord that would be the springboard to a “lifelong” ministry that spanned those early days ministering to others in a military medical ward and to his last days ministering to others caring for his medical needs.

Lawrence lived an amazing and impactful life that saw him marry the beautiful Laura Paulsen, raise 4 wonderful children; Lyle, Derryll, Barry and Laurie; pastor churches in cities as diverse as Swift Current Saskatchewan, Vernon B.C, Del Paso Heights Sacramento California, Grandview Washington, Highland Park California, New Albany Indiana, Medicine Hat Alberta to Turlock California and many more destinations of services.

Lawrence pursued knowledge throughout his life, education was paramount. From his high school years learning by correspondence all the way to earning his Doctor of Philosophy degree from California Graduate School of Theology in 1973, until his passing. His Bible was always by his side and his love and faith of Jesus Christ never wavered throughout life’s trials.

This passion manifested itself by way of early education within the foundation of the Church of God. Starting in the early seventies, daycare services within the church was a hallmark that Lawrence brought to every congregation thereafter, a trail blazer in pre-school early education at the Church.

Lawrence Raymond Gehring’s life echoes in Eternity and he would say to all of us, “Be strong and courageous, never fearful or afraid for The Lord Your God is with you!” Joshua 1:9 and The Lord now says to Lawrence, “He served God’s purpose in his own generation!” Acts 13:36

Lawrence is survived by his loving wife, Laura Gehring; children, Lyle (Dina), Derryll (Maureen), Barry (Brenda) and Laurie Gehring Dotson (Todd); grandchildren, Allisyn Gehring-Gustafson, Krisdina Gehring, Chris Gehring, Tyler Gehring, Kevin Gehring, Hannah Gehring, Morgan Gehring, Marshall Gehring, Bethany Dotson Visser, Andrew Dotson and Nathan Dotson; as well as three great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Ava, and Oliver. He was pre-deceased by Mother Karoline, Father Emmanuel and many brothers and sisters.

A Memorial Service to take place at Southview Church of God on Saturday, April 23 at 11:00am. Interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery at 1:30pm.