Brian Richard Gebeke

Brian Richard Gebeke, 44, Bismarck, left the limitations of his Earthly body on October 14, 2014. Brian was granted eternal rest and peace by his Heavenly Father. Brian was surrounded by love and welcomed into the Kingdom of God. Brian's funeral service will be held Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. at Corpus Christi Church, 1919 N. 2nd Street, Bismarck, with Rev. Paul Becker officiating. Public visitation will be Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. A gathering for sharing special memories and Brian stories will begin at 7:00 p.m. Although Brian probably didn't enter this world on March 18, 1970, with a chew in his mouth and a joke on his tongue, he would soon make that his trademark. Brian was born in Fargo, ND, to Laurie and Rick Gebeke. Brian spent his early years, sixth through tenth grade, honing his gift of gab and impulsive spirit in South Heart, ND. The family eventually moved to Casselton, ND, and Brian emerged victorious from Central Cass High School in 1989. Brian's next stop on his life adventure was to join the Air Force in 1990; and this is where his story starts to get good. While stationed at Altus Air Force Base in Altus, OK, as Senior Airman First Class, fate came calling in the form of his destiny. A young woman named DeDe Hasley caught his eye and although he was smitten at first sight, Ms. Hasley made him work for it. Brian used the ol' Officer and a Gentleman's trick, by showing up one day at the gas station where she worked, in full Air Force uniform. It worked. On their three-month anniversary, he proposed with a genius ring-hidden-in-the-cheesecake trick. Only to learn she disliked cheesecake. "EAT IT!" yelled Brian. And from that moment on they never were apart. Before Brian and DeDe were married on May 21, 1993, in Altus, OK, Brian told DeDe of a blessing they would have in the arrival of his twins, Josh and Jade Gebeke. Brian's children were welcomed with all of their love and commitment. On the road again, and this time to Laurel, MT, in February 1994. Money was scarce, with Brian selling cars at the now infamous, Laurel Ford Dealership. And DeDe acquiring large belt buckles at Montana Silver Smith's jewelry factory, another life changing event was just upon their horizon. Carlee Gebeke was born July 17, 1995, in Billings, MT. Their family was complete. Brian knew he had to make something happen. He wanted to provide a better life for his family. Moving to Bismarck in 1998 to join his uncle Brad Gebeke at his Semi Trailer Sales business, was when he started to pursue his career in the trucking and trailer industry. Brad Gebeke groomed Brian into the successful business man that he eventually became. Brian purchased the business from Brad in 2005. Brian's love for the outdoors was his passion. Sharing his love of big game and pheasant hunting with friends and family was a treasured past-time. Snowmobiling, jeepin', biking, and boating were all outdoor activities that defined Brian and made his life rich with treasured friends and stories too numerous to tell. A larger-than-life personality, living on the edge and taking chances, didn't overshadow his generous, loving and unselfish ways of his heart. All of these qualities enhanced him and made Brian the man everyone wanted to be around. Laughing his signature loud laugh, chewing, enjoying a cold drink, storytelling, and playing pranks made Brian attractive to man, woman, child and beast alike. No one was immune from his infectious charm. Brian's goal in life was to make everyone around him happy, comfortable and feel wanted. And although Brian's family is hurting and longing to see and hear him one more precious moment, they know Brian's legacy will live on. He instilled in all of them that nothing was impossible or too difficult to accomplish. Brian is survived by his wife, DeDe Gebeke, Bismarck; three children, Josh Gebeke, Bismarck, Jade Gebeke, Altus, OK, and Carlee Gebeke, Bismarck, ND; his mother, Laurie Gebeke, Fargo, ND; his father, Rick Gebeke, Jamestown, ND, his grandpa, Duwayne Gebeke, Fargo, ND; his sister, Staci Spiekermeier, her husband, Noah Spiekermeier, Horace, ND, and their daughter, Piper Spiekermeier; DeDe's mother, Pauline Cook and her husband, Tommie Cook, Yukon, OK; DeDe's siblings, Jerry Hasley, Chandler, OK, Charmin McElroy, Perkins, OK, Sherry Wyatt, Devol, OK, and Aaron Hasley, Oklahoma City, OK; Brian's beloved dogs, Bullet, Gunner, Gauge and Lily Bear; and KC the cat. Brian was preceded in death by DeDe's father, Jerry Hasley, who passed away in 1995, and Gramma Jean Gebeke who passed away in 2009. Brian also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephew, and many close friends and acquaintances who also basked in the bright light of his smile and laughter. "Because he never knew a stranger."

Brian Richard Gebeke

March 18, 1970 - October 14, 2014