Dear MMHS 1978 Classmates,

I have very sad news to share with you.

Dave Gehrman passed away.  Dean just sent the celebration of life announcement for our classmates.  Dean will have more to share about his twin brother soon.  Please keep Dean, and all of Dave's family in your thoughts and prayers.

I will always remember Dave as a big strong guy, with a great sense of humor and laugh.  Until we meet again my friend.

Always,

Darren Talley

More from Dean:

David Eugene Gehrman

October 2, 1959 – August 27, 2025

David Eugene Gehrman, 65 of Longview, WA passed away at Longview Hospice on August 27, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Dave was born October 2, 1959, to James T and Dorothy M Gehrman at St. Helens Hospital in Chehalis, WA, and he was born a twin to his brother Dean.

Dave is survived by his Wife, Julie D Gehrman, Step-daughter Courtney Trahanes (Ty), Step-son Jordan Fritsch (Marcie), James Setzer-Gehrman; Brothers Ron Gehrman (Martha), Dean Gehrman (Karin), Glenn Gehrman; Grand Children Jackson, Harper, Everly, and Marie; along with 6 Nieces; Tiffany Gehrman Williams (Greg), Kali Gehrman, Olivia Wallis (Abe), Tasia Gehrman (Seth) Paige Gehrman (Kyle) and Deirdre Whalen; 4 Nephews; Ahren Gehrman, Nathan Gehrman, Ron Gehrman (Francisca), and Colin Whalen; along with numerous great nieces and great nephews, extended family and countless friends as well as his beloved dog Dillon; known to him as Dilly.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Dale and Donald, sister Gay Smith, and nephew Jeremiah Smith.

Dave moved with his family to Longview at age 7 from Chehalis, WA and attended Columbia Heights Elementary School, Cascade Junior High School, and Graduated from Mark Morris High School in 1978.

Dave pursued his passion for photography in his teen years and was an incredible photographer! Dave was an athlete as well who played youth baseball and especially had a love for the game of golf. Dave grew up in the family home located by the Longview County Club and spent endless hours every day perfecting his golf game. It was always Dave’s intent to pursue a career as a professional golfer.

Dave also had a great passion for weightlifting, a career he did pursue. Dave’s Christmas present at age 14 was a set of weights which began his love of the sport. Dave encouraged his family and friends to lift weights and open his first gym in the family basement on Lindsey Drive. The gym grew too big for the basement, at which time he rented the vacated gas station on Columbia Heights Rd and opened it as Dave’s Body Shop in 1978. Dave moved the gym to his home on Yelton Drive and expanded again when he opened Physical Impact on California Way. He eventually opened Physical Impact at its current location on Commerce Ave. Dave was an Icon in the local health and weightlifting industry and was an incredible trainer, a passion he pursued his entire life. He was locally known as “Hulk Hogan” and to many as “UNIVERSE.” Dave and his brother Ron were partners of the gym from 1989-1994 and Dave sold his share of Physical Impact to his brother Ron (Martha) in 1994. Fast forward a few years, Physical Impact is now owned and operated by Dave’s Brothers, Dean and Ron, who together have built what is now the largest private Health and Fitness Club in the Northwest. Dave created a true family legacy.

Dave then pursed a career in the roofing industry working for Brills Roofing, Weather Guard and Pacific Tech. Dave was highly regarded and respected in the roofing industry and became a master in the art of hot tar roofing! Dave took a hiatus from the roofing industry and remodeled and managed Gragg’s General Store in Cathlamet. Dave was eventually enticed back into the roofing industry at Pacific Tech as the main roofing Foreman. On July 25, 2016, Dave experienced a 30-foot fall to concrete from a roof at the Tillamook Cheese Factory. Dave suffered from the extensive injuries sustained in that fall for the remainder of his life.

Dave had a love for Jesus and thanked him for every day that Jesus had blessed him with after that accident. Dave miraculously lived his life to the fullest in-spite of the constant pain he endured. Dave was an optimist and had a knack of making the best of any situation.

Dave also had a love of cars, gardening, and all things wood! He collected all types of lumber and wood for future projects. He was truly an artist (a family trait).

Dave loved and treasured life, family, and friends, and was always willing to give a helping hand to anyone and everyone. One of his best-known mottos in his life was “Where two or more are gathered, it is time for a party.” Dave will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by everyone fortunate enough to have known him.