Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes

Serving families in the Miles City, Forsyth, Lame Deer, Broadus, Circle, Jordan and Terry areas for three generations.

For Immediate Help Call
Miles City: 406-232-4457 — Forsyth: 406-346-2311

In Memory Of

Garve Gierke, age 55, of Miles City.

September 29, 1967 – July 20, 2023

Funeral Service

Procession

Graveside Service:

Tribute Video

Garve left his earthly pain behind on July 20, 2023, surrounded by his family and their love.

Born as the fifth of six children, Garve and his siblings shared a childhood of larger-than-life tales of adventure (and sometimes mischief) led by their parents, Harold and Shirley. Garve’s love of the family ranch, time spent at Fort Peck Lake, and passion for cars and motorcycles were learned from them.

Starting at a young age, Garve began working at Harold’s business, Portable Pavers. After graduating from Custer County District High School, Garve attended college for three years, continuing to work construction before meeting the love of his life, Tracey. Two months older than him, Garve loved telling everyone that she was an older woman. They married in 1991, welcoming Jordan in 1994 and Jamie in 1997.

Both hard workers—Garve a business owner and Tracey a nurse, they were always committed to being present for their kids. Garve valued family above all else and was proud of his children more than anything else in his life. Though, his family extended well beyond Tracey, Jordan, and Jamie, as demonstrated by the many, many lifelong friendships Garve fostered to the very end and the impact he had on the lives of his nieces and nephews.

He was the husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend so many depended on. He could always be relied on to help us in a tight spot before cracking a joke, and reminding us to laugh along with his award-winning, fully-body laugh. He was a smart and hard-working businessman, but also one that was fair to his partners, peers, and employees. His Safety Meetings, lake trips, hunting quests, and motorcycle adventures were sacred to him— as were the people he shared them with. He could have us all crying with laughter sharing the stories he kept close to lighten the mood, always indicating with a smirk and glint in his eye that he was about to let loose one of his famous one-liners.

In the years that Garve showed us the magnitude of his strength in fighting his cancer, the most important things in his world continued to be Tracey, Jordan and Jamie. As the great love of his life, Tracey was his rock to the very end. Jordan and Jamie were Garve’s best friends— his biggest prides and his greatest joys. He found a great amount of peace in knowing that Jordan found his life partner in Brooke and held dear all the time he spent with Jamie in his last weeks, telling everyone that would come visit about the importance of the bond he had with his daughter. His family’s devotion to him is a testament to the immensity of his love.

Garve is survived by his wife, Tracey, son, Jordan (Brooke), and daughter, Jamie, his mother, Shirley, siblings: Allyson, Gay, LuAnn (Weldon), Hal (Justine), and Guy (Gretchen), his mother in law Twila, brother in laws and sister in law, nieces, nephews, and extended family, as well as the many close friends he considered family. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold, and father-in-law, John, both of whom he has enjoyed a heavenly beer with already.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Garve’s memory to Sacred Heart Elementary School, which was a cause very close to his heart.

Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday July 25, 2023

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

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Rosary & Vigil

6:00 p.m.

Tuesday July 25, 2023

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

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Funeral Mass

11:00 a.m.

Wednesday July 26, 2023

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

120 North Montana Ave.

Miles City, Montana 59301

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Rite of Committal

Wednesday July 26, 2023

Custer County Cemetery

Strevell Ave.

Miles City, Montana 59301

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Luncheon

Wednesday July 26, 2023

VFW Hall

119 N. 6th Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

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View Memorial Folder

Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday July 25, 2023

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Rosary & Vigil

6:00 p.m.

Tuesday July 25, 2023

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Funeral Mass

11:00 a.m.

Wednesday July 26, 2023

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

120 North Montana Ave.

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Rite of Committal

Wednesday July 26, 2023

Custer County Cemetery

Strevell Ave.

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Luncheon

Wednesday July 26, 2023

VFW Hall

119 N. 6th Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

View Memorial Folder

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  4. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Gierke family for the loss of such a kind hearted man..May you find peace in knowing he is pain free 🙏. Fly high Garve!!

  5. Garve was probably the most giving guys I knew he’d let us tear up anything of his, even his prized chevelle.
    All through the years as jordan and I grew up, Garve always let us use all his expensive toy to go out and have fun. He would even let us leave town to go on trips with pretty much anything of his we needed. Even though Garve new very well his stuff has a very good change coming back damaged or totaled out. That is if it even comes back at all. One time we even had to call him to come get us from out in the middle of the ranch, probably between 3-5am. Garve had to ride a four wheeler for miles just to pick up 4 of us boys who had buried a side by side in a creek crossing. It was early spring so the creeks were flowing pretty good. We then road actually 6 (garve brought Jamie with him)of us on his Kawasaki 650 four wheel way across to the other side of the highway ranch where he had parked. Also he drove there old Chevy pickup named hank, a single cab step side pickup to hual 6
    Of
    Us 20 plus miles back to town.
    We had to call him because he was the really the only one that knew where we were. Jordan never liked calling his dad to the rescue but Garve never got so upset with. We always knew we could call Garve for anything.

    P.s sorry my grammar and spelling amd just about anything to do with writing is
    Awful e so I apologize but In advance

  6. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Garve’s family . So sorry to hear this .

  7. We are so sorry for your loss. Grave was such a fun, yet humble man. We will certainly miss running into him around town. Prayers for all.
    Carol & JR

  8. Tracey, Jordan, Jamie, Shirley and all of Garve’s family–my sincere and deepest sympathy. I am so saddened by this news. My heart breaks for all of you. I loved hearing about (and watching) Garve’s antics. He definitely knew how to have fun! You will all be in my prayers.

  9. Such a tremendous loss. Such a kind guy and always smiling. Our condolences

  10. I’m so sad to hear this, he was always a great smile to come across and good friend to all and fun to be around! Sending love and prayers to the Gierke family.

  11. My deepest sympathies. Garve was so kind and easy to work with. Eternal rest grant unto him Lord and may the perpetual light sign upon him. May he rest in peace.

  13. We are so so sorry to learn of Garve’s passing. Our memories of him are so wonderful. Such a kind-hearted, soft-spoken man. Please know we are thinking of all of you now and in the future days, weeks and months.

  14. Gierke family…
    This is just heartbreaking. What a wonderful human being with such a zest for life. You will be missed by so many. Rest easy my friend. Our sincerest condolences to the entire family.

    💙

  15. My thoughts and prayers are with garves family fly high with the Angels and watch over your family garve

  16. I am so sorry for your loss. Garve was such a nice guy. Your family is in my prayers and thoughts.

  17. So sorry to hear this. Garve was always upbeat. our prayers for the family.

  20. I am so very sorry. Prayers for comfort as you cherish beloved memories.

    Denise and Jay Harvey

  21. So very sad for the loss of such a wonderful person… prayers for all of Garves family ❤️🙏❤️😢

  22. Shirley, Allison, Gay, LuAnn, Hal, Guy,
    I am so sorry to hear this news about Garve. I talked with him for a short time last summer. I’ve known you all for so long! May he rest in peace, I’ll always remember that little Gierke!

  23. Tracey and entire Family, words can not express the sorrow on our hearts. We are sp so saddened of losing such a great guy. So many wonderful memories my Dear Garv. I’d do detentions with you thruout life if possible, too much fun. Thanks buddy for always having my back, giving the greatest smile, and being that endearing friend. Will miss you so so much.
    Tracy, Im right here, always and forever. Love you so much.

  24. Such sad and devastating news. Garve was just an all-around nice guy. My deepest condolences to all of his family. That man will be missed by many..💔

  25. Our condolences to Grave’s family. He was such a nice guy enjoyed many rounds of golf with him when we on the same team

  27. Tracey and the entire Gierke family, I am so sorry for your loss. I grew up across the park from Garve and have good memories of playing dodge ball and tag in that park with all the neighbor kids. He was a great guy and I know this will leave a huge hole in many hearts. Blessing to you all.

  28. So saddened to hear of this. Garve was such a nice guy and will be sorely missed by so many people. Keeping all of his family in my thoughts and prayers at this time.

  29. I am so sorry Shirley and family. My deepest sympathies are with you. Those we love don’t walk away, they walk beside us every day. Love and prayers to your family.

  31. Some of best-crazy memories and times involved Garve. Had some great times in Bozeman together. Looked forward every year to to cowtown to hang out, he always got so damn nervous to play in that tournament, made us all laugh non-stop. Condolences to all of his family, especially his son Jordan who I enjoyed getting to know on our yearly sledding get together. Will be missed.

  32. So very sorry to hear of your loss, hugs and prayers to the Gierke family.

  33. Tracey and Gierke family…I was heartbroken to hear of Garve’s passing so young. He was such a wonderful guy to grow up with and I’ll never forget that great smile and laugh. My prayers are with you all as you navigate life without him. All my love.

  34. This is such sad news and such a loss to his family, friends and Miles City as well. My heart goes out to everyone who knows Garve, such a kind man gone way too soon. May God comfort you now and always with the best of memories.
    I am sorry for your loss.

  35. Tracy and family, wow. So stunned and sad to hear this
    I loved his laugh and kind soul. Reading all the comments I just think yep, that’s Garve, always enjoying life! He will be missed by so many. Prayers for you.

  36. Garve was definitely one of the good ones. So friendly and kind and always had a smile on his face. always enjoyed being around him. He will be missed by many. My deepest sympathy to his family who he loved very much.

  37. He will be missed by many. We always enjoyed visiting with him at the Centra and downtown. He always had a smile on his face. Thoughts and prayers.

  38. So sorry to hear about Garve’s passing… I am going to miss his one liners. He is honestly one of the funniest people that I know. I’m going to miss our summer motorcycle rides together. 🙁 I am so glad that I got to know him! Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

  39. Dear Tracy and family, It just makes us sad as we will miss such a wonderful guy! He was such a tender-hearted, good, human being. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  41. I am sending my heartfelt condolences to Garves family! Much love . Tonya (Belt) Murray

  42. You are such a wonderful family. My son Jim and I are very sorry to see this happen to you. Sending you our love Linda Walker.

  44. So sorry for your loss Tracy and family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  45. Sending love to the Gierke Family. Garve was certainly an outstanding man, and certainly someone you highly respected.

  46. Gierke family, our hearts a breaking at the loss of such a good man. Garve always had a smile and welcoming word. He was my brother in laws best friend in High School and I know they had many adventures. There are no words to make this any easier, but know we extend our deepest sympathy. 💔😔

  47. My Condolences to his family and friends..I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing him but it sounds like he made a huge impact on everyone he came in contact with… may God Bless you All

  48. Tracy and family,
    I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. You can see a fraction of how much Garve and your family is loved by all of the people reaching out.

    My parents always bring up the story of a poem that Garve wrote in grade school that talked about stuffing beef jerky up a turkeys nose. I think the poem had to rhyme with your last name or something. Garve was always happy go lucky and a very positive person. You are blessed.
    Sending prayers your way.

  49. Sending the whole Gierke family our love and condolences in the loss of Garve. He was a wonderful man with a kind heart and a beautiful soul. He always had a smile on his face, no matter what. We will treasure the memories of times spent with him.

  50. Such horribly sad news, thinking of your entire family at this difficult time.

  51. Tracey and family, so sorry to hear about Garve. He’ll be missed. Prayers for you all.

  52. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gierke family, so sorry to hear of his passing, what a great young man!

  53. A great guy gone way too soon! Our sincere condolences for all of Garve’s family. Hope knowing that so many people care will lift you and bring you strength!

  55. What an absolute loss to the world. Garve was always such fun to be around. One of those people I always liked running into. Will definitely miss that laugh and smile. Thinking of you and your family Tracey.

  56. Shirley, Tracy and the Gierke family
    so sorry for your loss. Grave was a so well liked person. Keep all the memories and he will live forever in your heart. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

  58. I am so sorry for your loss.
    Praying for any Angels who may be needed, to surround the Gierke family during this difficult time.
    I remember the first time I ever saw Garve and the last time.
    The world has lost a good man.

  59. My deepest condolences to the family. I am so sorry for your loss of such a great man. Prayers for the family during this difficult time and in all the days ahead.

  61. Words cannot express the smiles he brought to many by Garve . I remember so many in band class in high school. Thoughts and prayers to all his family and friends

  62. I am so saddened with the loss of my boss, my mentor but most of all my dear friend! Garve was the most kindest, caring man with a heart of gold and a contagious smile. I have never seen him without a smile on his face even through all his suffering he carried himself with dignity as he fought this hard battle. I will miss him in all the days ahead and it is comforting to know he is at peace and no longer suffering. Tracey, Jordan, Jamie and Shirley and all of Garve’s family my thoughts and prayers are with all of you 💞🙏🏼✝️

  63. Do many memories from the old days. It’s pretty rare not to have at least one negative memory, heated exchange or, dispute with a friend you have known for so many years. Garve is one of the very few I can say this about. Back in the wild days when Garve came back from college somehow we would run in to each other. Nothing plannned no phone calls but, as soon as we ran in to each other we wouldn’t make it home until sun up. Always that infectious grin and a knack for coming up with a smart ass well placed off the wall comment that woukd make ya wonder how he could always have come up with something so quickly. Myself and so many others know that life would be more tolerable with Garve with us.

  64. This is so sad. We lost touch over the years but I remember him to be a super nice guy. Condolences

  65. Thinking of all of you during this very difficult time, and sending many prayers your way,
    Shawna Rothaus

  66. Many prayers to you and your family during this difficult time. So sorry for your loss.

  67. Oh my gosh, sooo very sad to hear this. I was in the same class in high school with Garve and he was just the nicest person around. Always laughing and smiling, definitely a wonderful person. From reading all the comments it sounds like he made that his life mission. What a wonderful, wonderful legacy to leave behind. His family should be so proud and blessed to have been a part of his much too short life. I can’t imagine their sadness to have him gone way too soon, however. My thoughts and prayers to all. Sending thoughts of healing and grace to his family.

  68. Dear Tracey and Family,
    We are so sad to hear this heartbreaking news. Our sincere condolences.

  69. Shirley and all the Gierke Family, Keeping you in my prayers during this difficult time.

  70. Tracy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers go out to you.

  71. Tracy & family, including your sister Tony & Cody. We hadn’t heard Garv was sick and so were so shocked. But Garv had the Lord in his heart, so he will be ok now. We are so sorry, and know he will be missed by so many people and family. Remember the good times, and his passing will become a little easier to accept.

  72. Thinking of you and so very sorry for your loss. Love and prayers, Jim and Carol

  73. Tracey and family….. when Rick and I heard about Garve’s death, our hearts sank. Garve was a hero in his war with cancer…. RIP, Garve, you fought bravely and well. We pray that 🙏 God gives each of you His comfort…. peace… and solace.

  74. The world lost a great man, he was one of a kind. He was my landlord for 2 years, not only the best one I’ve ever had but just a pleasure to sit with and chat. You’ll be missed very much garv. Thanks for the memories. Keeping the family in the thoughts. RIP GARV.

  75. Garve was kind to me and always said hi whenever I would see him. I am so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you during this time.

  77. so sorry for his loss! he was one of the good guys and always had a smile on his face and chuckle for you to hear!

  78. So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers for you and family.

  79. Garve is such a nice person to everyone, I hoped he would stay with us so much. Bless him and his family. Regards.

  81. We are so sorry to hear of your incredible loss. We are thinking and praying for each one of you.

  82. Garve was the first person to greet our entire family when we moved from Minnesota to Miles City in 1973. Growing up across the street from the Gierke’s was a lot of fun. Seeing all of Garve’s accomplishments and friend’s condolences, it’s clear Garve had a life very well lived and made his family proud. Rest in peace my friend. Condolences to Tracey, Shirley and the entire Gierke family. Gina Theisen and Joe Theisen

  83. Tracey and family;
    My heart aches for you all. So grateful for the opportunity to get to know Garve.

  84. This is so sad. Many, many, many fond memories of drinking ginger ale at their warehouse by the tracks….playing ditchum with Will Hampton, Ronnie Johnson, Dirk Doeden, Keith Durkin, Shelly Nelson. My condolences…..

  85. Thoughts and prayers going out to Garve and the Gierke family at this time.

  86. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to all of Garve’s family

  88. We are so very sorry for your loss. We are sending our prayers for strength for all.
    Jack and Glenda

  89. Our condolences for the family and loved ones of Garve. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  90. My Heart Goes Out to the Gierke Family. So many great memories of Him and Family! Garve came out to Phoenix and we went to a Suns – Bulls game to watch Michael Jordan play.
    Garve knew how to have fun and lift the people up around him.
    So many great qualities,He will be missed…

  92. So sad to hear of Garve’s passing. My thoughts are with the entire Gierke family and all of his friends, as there are many ❤️

  93. I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

  95. So sorry to hear about Garve. Losing someone you love is so difficult. My thoughts and prayers for peace 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

  96. Gierke Family, to be able to consider Garve a friend is a great honor. We want to extend our prayers to the Gierke family, prayers for healing and cherishing the memories of time with Garve. May your memories fill your hearts with comfort.

  97. I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences and know that you all are in my thoughts
    and prayers. May God bless you all.

  98. Shirley and family. My sincere condolence’s to you all. I remember how fun and kind Garve was during high school. It was always a pleasure to run into him over the years. May he rest in prace.

  100. Shirley, Tracey and family,
    I remember that he just lit up a room when he walked in and he was so much fun. My prayers for your peace during this difficult time.
    Mary Ann Liles

  101. Vicky and I were devastated to hear of Garve’s passing. His shop was a neighbor to ours and as a former student of mine at CCDHS he was always very special. Our condolences and prayers are with his family.

  102. Prayers and condolences to Garve’s family at this time and in the days to come. Cherish the many memories!

  103. I have been struggling to know what to say after hearing of Garve’s passing. I am just so saddened to hear that the world lost such an amazing person. I am so sorry, Tracey, and Gierke family, at your immense loss. I can’t imagine your loss of such a special guy. Some of my earliest and fondest childhood memories were walking from our apartment at the VA Hospital grounds past Wibaux Park over to play at Garve’s house after we got out of school at Lincoln Elementary – I think Garve and I were in several consecutive classes together in grade school – but what I remember the most was the fun and laughter I had with Garve at his house, and his Mom, Shirley, always being home with Garve to take care of us. I do remember Garve’s sense of humor all through high school and the brightness and joy he provided to those around him through his smile, friendliness and good-natured humor. I can see through all of these comments the lives he touched all of his years and the family he dearly cherished, namely Tracey and their two children. I have been praying for you, Tracey, and the Gierke family, and will continue to do so. May the warm memories and the smile that thoughts of him bring to you from his life be a comfort to you during this difficult time.

  104. I am deeply saddened to learn of Garve’s passing. What a great fellow, and employee, he was. I tried to convert him to Studebakers or Packards, but he was stuck on Chevrolet’s. He will be missed more than words can express, and my prayers go out to you, Shirley and Tracey, and the rest of the family.

  105. Shirley, Tracey and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We are so sad to here of Garve’s passing.

  106. Gierke family,

    We are so sorry for your loss. You’re in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you All.

  107. We are thinking of you during this difficult time and sending prayers. May you be comforted in cherished memories, perfect peace and strength.

  108. Tracy & family,
    My heart breaks for you. I’m so, so sorry to hear this sad news.May your memories help you get thru this time of grief. May God keep you close.

  109. Allyson, Sorry for your loss! Let God be with your family at this time! God bless!

  110. So sorry to hear that another young wonderful person has passed away. My condolences to Tracey, Jordan, Jamie and the rest of the Gierke family.

  111. Our thoughts are with you, and we’re wishing you strength and comfort at this difficult time. With sympathy. Garve ,was.specical to us and our family . He will be missed by all.

  112. Tracy and Families
    I am so sorry for your loss of Garve. He was a truly admired by all he knew and loved him. He will be truly missed by all. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. He will always be a Treasure in your hearts and not forgotten. Treasure your memories of him as they will get you thru difficult days and times ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  113. Guy & Family,
    Please accept our condolences for your loss of Garve. Thinking of you.

  114. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gierke family as you navigate this difficult time. Love and hugs to all of you!

  115. Tracey and family, so sorry to hear about Garve. He was always a friendly and fun guy in high school and I know he will be missed by so many. Condolences to you and all who loved and cared about him.

  116. Tracey and family we are so sorry for your loss. May God bring you comfort now and in the days to come. With our deepest sympathy.

  117. We are so sorry to hear of Garve’s passing. The world will be a sadder place without him. Our hearts go out to you family during this difficult time.

  118. I had many fond memories of meeting Garve and his beloved dog in the parking lot of the Centra in the early hours of the morning. Janette and I were coming from spinning class and he was faithfully there to work out and keep in shape. Garve had an infectious laugh and a big heart to go with it. He “set the bar high” for all of us with his endless display of kindness and sincere friendship to all he knew. We will miss him dearly. Our sympathy to Tracey and his wonderful family.

  120. Shirley, Gay and family, my heart is broken for all of you. Garve was always so sweet and kind. Please know you’re all in my thoughts and prayers. Sending love to each of you. Rest in Heaven Garve with your family and friends that have gone before you

  121. Tracey and family,
    We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God give you comfort and strength.

  122. Tracey, I was shocked and devastated for you when I saw this. Way too soon. My sincerest condolences to you and all of your family during this difficult time.

  123. Sending love and prayers to the Gierke and Wilhelm families. So very sorry for your loss of your beloved Garve.

  125. My thoughts and prayers are with the Gierke family, had a lot of fun growing up with Garve….

  127. I will always remember Garve fondly. Always so fun and always so kind. We were in 6th thru 12th grade together. My condolences to his family.

  128. Such a good guy and always had that ready smile! My heart goes out to all his family 🙏🏻may you be blessed with wonderful memories to help you survive And heal from the loss of Garve 🙏🏻

  129. We were sad to hear about Garve. Sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and comfort for your family.
    Keith and Pam Polesky

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