Kaylen Eileen Gehrke
Kaylen Gehrke, 24, of Longview, Texas passed away suddenly on Monday, July 11, 2022 after having an emergency medical event in the Kisatchie National Forest in southwest Natchitoches Parish. Employed by Cultural Resource Analysts in Shreveport, it was her first day on the job with two other co-workers conducting archaeological surveys in that forest for the U.S. Forest Service. That day turned tragic when Kaylen collapsed from heat stroke. Efforts provided at the scene were unsuccessful in resuscitating her.
Kaylen was born on December 1, 1997 in Miles City, Montana to Ronald and Betsy (Becker) Gehrke. She was a 2016 graduate of Golden High School in Golden, Colorado and earned a bachelor’s degree in forensic anthropology and a minor in Spanish from the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana in 2019. She had recently moved to Longview. Texas from Montana to be with her parents and sister and was excited to begin her career in anthropology. Her sister, Kylie Gehrke, described her as “kind, sweet with a hint of spice, and loved the outdoors.”
Kaylen was an exuberant writer and artist and embodied positivity to all she encountered. In her younger years, she exhibited her creative nature by making ceramic pieces and hand-sewn pillows. She enjoyed being a Girl Scout for six years. As an eighth grade student at Bell Middle School in Golden, Colorado, Kaylen earned the Bell Excellence Award for her achievements in her Collegiate Peaks team. At Golden High School, she placed second in state poetry contests, was Student Council President, and a member of the National Honor Society and choir. During her sophomore year, Kaylen traveled to Barcelona, Madrid, and Paris which sparked her love of Spanish and art deco. As an avid reader, she loved the classics and popular novel sets. She was invited to attend the Illinois Press Foundation Journalism Workshop at Eastern Illinois University in 2016 and penned several articles for the Illinois Reporter.
However, Kaylen’s primary goal in life was to create a safe, positive, and welcoming environment as an advocate for self-empowering groups. Through an organization called “Day Without Hate,” she planned activities at her high school for students to focus on positivity and treating everyone with kindness. Her mother, Betsy Gehrke, states, “I have seen her outwardly display random act of kindness, inclusion, and be a positive role model to her younger peers.”
Kaylen realized that even helping one person makes a difference and that her experience motivated her to continue trying to make a change. Her favorite quote (from Robin Williams) was, “No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.”
Kaylen is survived by her devoted parents, Ronald and Betsy (Becker) Gehrke; adoring sister Kylie Gehrke; loving aunts and uncles in Illinois, Iowa, and Montana; and entertaining cousins and fabulous friends in Montana and throughout the country. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Warren and Dorothy Becker; paternal grandparents, Harvey and Eileen Gehrke; and great-grandma Evelyn Gehrke.
We loved Kaylen and will miss her fiercely. She wanted a world without hate; we just wanted a world with Kaylen in it. Kaylen believed that, “One person can alter an entire lifetime by solely demonstrating compassion. I genuinely strive to make others feel that they belong and matter.” You certainly did, Kaylen. You certainly did. We will love you forever and always.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kaylen’s name to the national non-profit organization “TWLOHA – To Write Love on Her Arms,” which was her favorite charity, at www.twloha.com.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 from 11-6 PM at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. A rosary service will follow at 5:30 PM. Funeral Mass will be held at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 in Forsyth. Burial will follow in the Forsyth Cemetery. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home have been entrusted with arrangements. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website at www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Tuesday July 19, 2022
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Rosary Service
5:30 PM
Tuesday July 19, 2022
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Mass
12:00 PM
Wednesday July 20, 2022
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Rite of Committal
Following the Funeral Service
Wednesday July 20, 2022
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Visitation
11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Tuesday July 19, 2022
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Rosary Service
5:30 PM
Tuesday July 19, 2022
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Mass
12:00 PM
Wednesday July 20, 2022
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Rite of Committal
Following the Funeral Service
Wednesday July 20, 2022
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Share
Roy, Arlene & family says
Betsy, Ron & family, we are so sorry to hear about Kaylen. If there is anything we can do to help, please let us know. The invitation from our last visit still stands. Love you and extend our deepest sympathies to you all.
Bette Jewell says
Betsy and family- so sorry for the loss of your daughter. May the Lord cover you with comfort and peace now and the days to come.
Love and Prayers- Bette Jewell
Nan says
Betsy. So sorry for your loss. Prayers for God to help you and your family thru the heart ache of this . Larry and I send our sincere condolences
Nan
Barb DeCock says
Oh Betsy, I’m very sorry about the loss of your beautiful daughter, may your memories comfort you and your family. My prayers are with you.
Sandi Van Pelt says
Betsy, Ron and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and prayers to you all ❤️
Doug & Kim Blunt says
Betsy and family,
We are so very shocked and saddened by the loss of your beloved Kaylen. There are just no words or acts of love or comfort that can ease the grief of losing a child. We can only pray that God will give you moments of rest and respite, peace and comfort as you grieve. Hugs to you.
Jennifer Ferguson Johnson says
I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers
Anita Kurtz says
Betsy, Ron and Kylie, I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. She sounds like an amazing young lady, I pray that your memories, caring friends and Gods love helps to ease you pain in the days to come. Love and Prayers Anita and Gene
Julie Stephens says
Oh dear Betsy and family,
What a tragedy! I am so sorry for your loss. It is just unimaginable what you are going through. You and hubby and Kylie are in my thoughts ole friend. May you someday find peace.
Colleen Marten says
My Dear Friend Betsy and Family,
I am so sorry for your lost. I know words can’t replace the loss you are feeling. Just know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Even though I didn’t know your daughter, she will always be your “Angel”. May God give you the strength and peace to live life for your angel and your family. If you ever need anything or just someone to listen, I am here for you.
Kay Davis Berdahl says
Betsy, Ron and Kylie,
I am so sorry for your loss! My prayers for you all during this difficult time.
AnnRenee says
Kaylen may not have lived long but we know she was loved and cared for by so many along the way. Now, Kaylen leaves behind such beautiful memories to comfort those who were a part of her life’s journey. May we all look forward to the hope of continuing that journey with Kaylen when God’s promise of a world without hate comes true. (Psalms37:11;29) In God’s loving care, Kaylen rests. (John5:28,29)
Kylie Gehrke says
My sweet Snookadoodle. The world has lost my most favorite human of all time. I cannot even begin to think of my life without you in it. Every second of everyday with you were amazing. I want to hug you and hold you til the end of time but I know you are in heaven saving me and watching me. I know you are just giggling away at me the last 2 days. The pain of the world is over for you so go take a nice long nappy poo with your so sweet. I will love you forever and always. Your big sister, Schnook
Aranka says
Dear family,
My deepest condolences with the loss of your daughter, sister and friend. I can not image the sadness you must experience now. We never met and probably never will as I am from The Netherlands. I googled the name of my 12 year old son and came across Kaylen’s obituary and was moved by how she was described as sweet and caring. There is not much comfort i can offer you but the certainty that I will send my prayers and thoughts. The kindness of you daughter is making an impression on the other side of the globe too
Darrell Brabec says
Renee prayers for your families loss. There are no words that can adequately express heartache you have right now. Treasure your memories .
Garth Sleight says
Betsy and Family,
I cannot begin to fathom the shocking devastation that has occurred in your lives. My heart breaks for all of you as you try to wrap your minds and hearts around the untimely passing of this lovely young person who had such passion for making a positive difference in the world around her. My sincerest condolences and best wishes to all of you as you grieve the all-too-soon passing of Kaylen. May the happy memories of Kaylen sustain you through all your tears.
Elizabeth Lange Poythress says
Betsy & Family,
Your daughter sounded like a truly wonderful person. Losing a child has to be one of the most difficult events a person can experience. Amidst your grief, feel proud thst you helped raise someone who made a difference, even for a short lifetime. And know that I and many others will be praying for you.
Iberia Watley says
May the Lord bless thee, and keep thee, make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
Donna Leitholt-Taylor says
Besty and family I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers
Dan Garcia says
My heart goes out to Kaylen’s family and everyone who knew her. I hope you can find peace in this trying time. Please know that there are hundreds of fellow archaeologists throughout the US that are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our own. Kaylene will not be forgotten, and this traffic event has served as a wakeup call to all of us that we need to, as a profession, take heat illness very seriously so this doesn’t happen again. Paso por aqui, Kaylene.
Lisa Blunt says
Betsy, Ron, Kylie and family:
I can not express how deep my heart break for you is. Know that you are deeply loved, long hugs sent and many prayers being sent for you all. Kaylen was an amazing person, just like her parents! Remember her wonderful smile. Lots of love and prayers to you.
Chris Johnson says
Dear Betsy and family, what a loving, kind daughter you raised. Her thoughtfulness and ambition to make the world kinder will be remembered and passed on always. You are all in my thoughts.
Mr. and Mrs. Steven Turner says
So sorry for your loss. We didn’t know you, or your family, but wanted you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Steve and Kari Turner
Longview, Texas
Beverly and Jack Nile says
Ron, Becky and family so sorry for the passing of your beautiful daughter.
Rick Bruff says
im so sorry Betsy, Ron and kylie…… she was an amazing girl…im so very glad i met you all
NPSO says
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, La.
We continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Todd and Jalayne Dralle says
Ron and Betsy and Kylie,
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We are so heartbroken to hear about Kaylen. Just know, all that went to heaven before Kaylen, Lollie, Harvey, Warren, Dorothy, and Family will be welcoming her home with open arms. May you all find peace as the lord’s light shines upon her. Hugs to all of you.
Todd and Jalayne Dralle
Ann Mortensen says
I only met Kaylen one time. She came into the office with Ron when she was a young teenager. They were both happy and excited, headed out of town for a family vacation. I thought she was an adorable girl, with great manners. Through the years I saw Kaylen grow up in the photos on her Dad’s desk. I remember Ron wearing the Day Without Hate shirt at the office. I remember how extremely proud Ron was when she graduated from college.
Kaylen was a kind, smart, extraordinary young woman. The world has lost a beautiful soul.
Ron, Betsy, and Kylie, my heart breaks for you.
Robert & Vicki Harris says
Just wanted to let Kaylen’s Family know. They have our heartfelt condolences. My husband was the Paramedic that was called to the scene. He shared the news with me. He was devastated and so were I. In which Kaylen was just 3 years older than our daughter. We both can’t fathom losing our own daughter @ such a young age. And with Kaylen starting her Career & Life doing her “Dream Job”. We’re truly sorry!!!! May the Family of Kaylen relinquish that her young life wasn’t in vain. What a Beautiful Obituary & we shall keep you all in our thoughts and prayers forever. May God Keep & Bless You All.
Karen Losing says
Betsy, Ron, Kylie, and Family,
I am so so very sorry for your tragic loss of Kaylen. It sounds like she was an amazing young lady and has accomplished so many cool things for as young as she was. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
Peggy Mallory says
So much sadness for so many with the tragic accident causing the death of your beautiful daughter Kaylen. Because my granddaughter Gracie is exactly the same age and place in her career as Kaylen I certainly feel that I understand the circumstance of the day. Gracie is also doing the digs and searches in this terrible Texas Heat. After so many years of school and work, these jobs are their fulfillment.
My Longview Texas friends who have followed Gracie throughout her years are very sad by this news. We feel a connection not only because we understand that you now a resident of Longview.
Please know that when you do return to Longview and are ready to meet new friends, we are her for you.
Bert Ramey says
Ron and family, my sincerest sympathy for the loss of your beautiful daughter🙏 I pray that your Faith will help you through this most difficult time of your lives🙏and that you will take solace in knowing that you will see her again one day🙏
God Bless🙏
donald r Kopnicky says
Betsy; cannot believe this, i/we are so sorry. words are not enough.
Tanya Peres says
Mr. and Mrs. Gehrke and family:
I am so sorry for the tragic loss of your daughter Kaylen. I’ve never met her but I am a Professor of Anthroplogy and have spent many many field seasons conducting surveys and excavations in the summer heat in the Southeastern US. I know nothing can bring your daughter back but please know that across the world archaeologists are pushing back against working in such conditions. There are several pieces of legislation in committee at the federal level to put into law OSHA regulations for this type of environment. One death is too many. I know that from what I’ve read about her, Kaylen was a great archaeologist. May she Rest In Peace and may her family and friends find peace and comfort in one another.
Vida says
I am so sorry for your loss, prayers for the family, in life she affected more lives than she realized, her obituary proves it, with her passing she affected even more people from around the world, there should be a Kaylen law that outdoor workers would not be able to work outdoors if temps is above or below a certain degree, today I will show an extra act of kindness in her name.
Carla Fahrenbruck says
Betsy and family, I am so sorry about the loss of your beautiful Kaylen. May your beautiful memories get you through the hard times ahead. Prayers for you all,
Monica Ogrodnik says
Betsy, Ron, & Kylie,
I am so sorry for your loss and can’t even begin to understand how difficult the last week has been for you all. I was devastated to hear the news about Kaylen and have been thinking about her and your family every day since. Kaylen was such a warm and beautiful soul and I was so lucky to call her my friend. I am sad that distance and time separated Kaylen and I over the years but I will always treasure the time we spent together in elementary school singing and reading together. I wish that I could have been there in person for the service to celebrate Kaylen’s life but was grateful to be able to join via the livestream. Sending all my love to your family and to Kaylen
Love, Monica
Davidson Honors College Team says
We write to extend our deepest sympathies to Kaylen’s family. We loved having her as a student. Her passion for making others’ lives better was lived through her studies and her professional pursuits, as well as her volunteer work. We remember her graduation from the honors college well. You should be very proud of your child. We mourn with you and hope to carry her memory forward at the honors college. With sympathy, Katie Cordingley and the Davidson Honors College Team.
Paula Corbin says
Betsie, Ronald, and Kylie,
I am so sorry to hear about Kaylen. May your memories bring you some comfort in the coming years. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jen says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know her, but Kaylen’s death has started a long overdue dialogue in the archaeological community. We can’t bring her back, but we can work to make sure it doesn’t happen to others.