Donald Gerard

Donald Douglas Gerard, 96, of Idaho Falls, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, due to causes incident to a very long life well lived. He was under the care of Aspen Home Health and Hospice.

Donald was born June 2, 1929, in Lewisville, Idaho, to William Douglas and Delilah Laney Gerard. Born in the rural family farmhouse, this tiny, premature, twin baby boy was laid, by his mother, in the oven to keep him warm, perhaps contributing to his lifelong affinity for a good fire and his naturally warm demeanor.

He grew up in Lewisville and learned at a very early age the value of hard work while living on a farm where much was expected of a young boy. Those early experiences helped shape the strong work ethic and character he carried throughout his life.

He attended Midway High School and graduated in 1947. Following graduation, Donald completed a 5-year apprenticeship to become a pressman for The Post Register.

He married the love of his life, Mary Joyce Browning, on July 14, 1950, in the Idaho Falls, Idaho, Temple. They quickly established a home on 10th Street in Idaho Falls and enjoyed seventy-three years together before Joyce’s passing on August 2, 2023. He missed her terribly, and their reunion was no doubt joyous.

Professionally, Donald worked for 45 years as a pressman for The Post Register and as a union president. After work each day, he would come up the sidewalk whistling a happy tune with hands scrubbed clean from the press ink and a joyful heart ready to take on the rest of the day.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and devoted disciple of the Lord, he served in many callings, including as a beloved Bishop of the 16th Ward. He served for over 35 years as an ordinance worker in the Idaho Falls Temple, many of those years alongside his wife Joyce.

He loved people and could be found happily engaged in conversation wherever he went. With a twinkle in his eye, quick wit, and inherent kindness, he made friends throughout his life wherever he went. The happy songs of his heart often found expression through a good willow whistle, a harmonica, or even the accordion.

He was always active and engaged in serving others, especially his family. He kept an immaculate yard during the summer and helped keep his entire block cleared of snow in the winter.

Donald loved to be outdoors and was an avid fisherman for many years. He rode motorcycles into his 80s and maybe found almost equal joy in riding around his retirement home on his scooter the last 2 years of his life. He loved a good bowl of popcorn and sharing it with his friends and family. We are confident he’s found a bowl of heavenly fudge and a Louis L’Amour novel exclusive to the libraries there.

Donald was the epitome of what truly defines a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and was a role model to all.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Joyce; his brother Kenneth; his sister Donna Harwood; and his son-in-law, Jack Dalton.

Donald leaves behind a family who all thought he was the best dad or grandpa they could have ever hoped to have including: Susan J. (Jack -deceased) Dalton of Idaho Falls, ID, Debra (Bryan) Parker of Idaho Falls, ID, Lori (Randy) Graves of Ammon, ID, Stuart D. (Heather) Gerard of Idaho Falls, ID; 13-grandchildren, 33-great grandchildren and 3-great-great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. A visitation will be held from 6-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Coltrin Mortuary. Burial will be in the Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.coltrinmortuary.com.