K.C. Gerard

After the most tenacious fight to stay earthbound, on October 22, 2026, this cowboy had to move on down the trail.

Kenneth Craig “K.C.” Gerard (75) lived to love his family. Cancer may have taken his epic mustache, but it never diminished the love, care, and concern he had for those he held closest to his heart.

K.C., the eldest of six, was born on November 23, 1950, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to his hero, Kenneth Douglas Gerard, and the woman who made him “tough as nails,” Edna Reece Gerard. His childhood was a beautiful thing of the past. After school at East Side, he often stopped at Frank Keefer’s home, floated the canal, or played baseball till he couldn’t see the ball, returning to his own family much later than his mother approved of. Eventually, his family moved to Iona, Idaho, where he graduated from Bonneville High School in 1968.

K.C. served an LDS mission in Bolivia, a chapter of his life that was permanently etched upon his heart. From his letters home, “I just love the people down here and the little kids I just love, they just cling to ya and don’t want you to go…I don’t think anybody could drag me back to the States.” His mission was more than a place or a period of time; it was a part of who he was and remained with him throughout his life.

After returning home, he found his way to Ricks College, where he met Jana Rae Kingston. She left for BYU Provo and, despite his distaste for the school, he chased her there. He rescued her in the BYU bookstore when he helped her get into classes that were “full.” They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on August 16, 1974, making her “Jana Way Dwawd” and he was her “Roque.” They spent their days dreaming together and then working to make those dreams a reality, rescuing each other along the way. In 1976, their son Kenneth Matt Gerard “Chucky” was born, and later on May 6, 1982, Kacey Amber Gerard “Peh Friend” came along. He would do anything within his power to help his family be successful in any of their pursuits.

K.C. was Chief Classification Officer for I.N.L. for over 20 years. If we disclosed what his job entailed, we would then have to kill you, but he was extremely good at what he did. His job of shaking hands and telling secrets allowed him to completely spoil those he loved. Trips to the coast or Mount Rushmore are some of our fondest memories. He was always there. He never missed the opportunity to cheer on his kids and his grandchildren. We will miss our trips to get “Mickeydees” or ice cream after even the smallest of achievements.

His most treasured title was that of Great-Grandpa when Lyla Dee Henson was born on June 27, 2026. We know he is bragging all about her goodness to everyone in heaven.

K.C.’s love was woven into everyday moments: the lunches, the nicknames, the adventures in Scouting and the outdoors, the fishing trips, and the memories made at Birch Creek and Henry’s Lake. His ability to cook for and feed the masses. His love for babies and Sunday dinners together. These were more than hobbies or places. They were pieces of a life well-lived, memories made with the people he loved, and stories that will continue to be told long after he has ridden on ahead.

K.C. always told it how it was, and if he was here, he would tell you to “buck up” and “keep the faith.” We will miss the rock that he was. Today is the day that Jana Gerad (wife of 51 years), his children Matt and Amy Gerard, Nick and Kacey Torman, his grandkids Skyler “Fav” and Nate Henson, Kenlee “Pebba” and Ogden Manwaring, Makio “Joe-Boo”, Kenneth “Buster Danny”, Zeek “Zeek-O”, Ellis “Miss Ellie Girl”, and great-granddaughter Lyla, have to learn how to march on without him and implement everything he taught, and love and serve as he did. We will be watching for your love letters from heaven.

K.C. fought hard to stay with us, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who helped him in that fight. Special thanks go to the Huntsman Cancer Center in Rexburg, Dr. Miller, Mission Hospice, and all the others who cared for him, stood beside him, and helped give us more precious time together.

So, one last Yee-haw to you and happy trails till we meet again.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the Annis-Little Butte Cemetery. The family will visit with friends from 6-8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.