Lambert “Bert” Gerhart, age 85, of Bismarck, ND passed with peace into the arms of our Lord on February 7, 2026.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, February 12, at Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary, 825 E Broadway Ave, Bismarck.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 PM, Wednesday, February 11, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck, with a vigil service starting at 6:00 PM.

A burial will be held at the Mandan Union Cemetery.

Bert was born on May 7, 1940 in Dodge, ND to Lambert and Olga (Simpfenderfer). He was the brother to Isabelle (Braun), Evangeline (McGarvey), and Mariah (Thomas).

He was an industrious boy working at a grocery store and also parking cars in downtown Bismarck. He parked the car for the president of a downtown bank called First National Bank. He said that someday he would be president of the bank.

He later became employed at that very bank when in June 1959 Bert met Rose, where they were employed. They saw each other every day, with their first date two months later. After dating for three years, they were married on May 26, 1962. Not having a lot of money Bert cut fresh lilac flowers for the church altar.

Bert’s greatest personal accomplishment was marrying Rose. Through his final couple weeks of life, he frequently called her “that wonderful lady.” He married a true angel from God and loved her deeply and showered her with multiple compliments every day. They were a handsome and genuine couple.

Later in 1962 his career led to being a courageous adjuster for a finance company. He used various unique techniques to repossess cars and mobile homes. He was confronted by angry borrowers with knives and baseball bats threatening violence.

Bert had multiple career accomplishments. Five years later in 1967, he became manager of the Fire and Tornado Fund in the North Dakota Capital Building.

In 1969, Bert joined Mandan Security Bank and one year later at the age of 30, he was promoted to president. He was no longer parking cars. Until his retirement at age 55 in 1995, he served as president of several banks. His greatest accomplishment was Dakota Bank and Trust in Fargo, from 1985 to 1992.

Bert accumulated a large record of community service. His proudest community accomplishment was chairman of the board at Sharehouse in Fargo. He was instrumental in the expansion of this half-way house for alcohol and drug abuse treatment. The program grew from six residents in 1990 to forty-eight by the end of 1991.

Bert and Rose raised three children, Randal, Greg and Mariah. He introduced hunting and other adventures to his sons. To Mariah, he instilled the confidence that she was capable of achieving any task set before her.

Bert was generous with his children, yet believed strongly that allowances should be earned. In this way, he taught them a strong work ethic, business acumen, and the art of negotiation.

Bert’s greatest accomplishment for his family was starting a life of fun at Lake Tschida. All that is great in life today for his surviving family is at the lake, thanks to his ambition and handyman work. He was forever thankful for the friendships from his lake neighbors.

Bert and Rose retired in Surprise, Arizona during winter where they experienced twenty-eight great years. Summers were at Lake Tschida which they long anticipated.

Bert’s greatest joy was being Papa Bert to Tyler, Santanah, Sydney, Bentley and Dayton. He raved about his grandchildren. They always received his generous love and each occasionally received a “Papa Bert Handshake” which secretly held cash.

Random public-place strangers received the same handshake. The title of Uncle Bert carried style, humor, fun, and strength to his nieces and nephews.

Bert is survived by his wife of nearly 64 years, Rose, sons Randal and Greg, daughter Mariah (Travis) Wipperling, grandchildren Tyler (Lane) Mathern, Santanah Gerhart, Sydney Gerhart, Bentley Wipperling, and great grandson Dayton Gerhart. We miss him dearly.

Bert is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Isabelle, Evangeline, and Mariah, and infant grandchild Magdalyn Wipperling.

Bert is a symbol of kindness, integrity, honesty, a desire to help others, plus a dedication to family and community during an era that few people appreciate today.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Sharehouse Fargo, at sharehouse.org/foundation/donate.

Visit www.parkwayfuneral.com to see more details, share memories, sign the online guestbook, and view the service livestream.