Memorials

Dr. Gehman was a valued member of our CVM community and the Class of 2011. His contributions to the college and the profession of veterinary medicine have made a lasting impact. He will continue to be remembered fondly and missed dearly.
- Anonymous

Obituary

Christopher Joel Gehman, 31, of Millerstown, died on Sunday,February 14, 2016.

Born on March 31, 1984 in Washington, Washington County, he was a son of John and Susan (Diem) Gehman. On April 26, 2014 he married, Jenna E. (Briggs) Gehman, who survives him.

In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by his siblings, Angela Graybill and her husband Richard, of Mifflintown, Laura Ranck and her husband Brian, of Philadelphia, Caleb Gehman, of Mifflintown, and Anthony Gehman, of McAlisterville.

Chris attended the Newport Assembly of God, was a 2000 graduate of the Penn View Bible Christian Academy, 2007 graduate of Susquehanna University with a B.S. in Biology and a 2011 graduate of the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine with a DVM.

Mr. Gehman was employed as a veterinarian for the Millerstown Veterinarian Associates since 2012.

He loved animals and enjoyed fishing, reading and cooking.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, February 21, 2016 from the Newport Family Life Center, 27 West Shortcut Road, Newport with Rev. Gary Bellis officiating.

A time of fellowship with the family will follow the services.

For those who love Chris, the question of why rings over and over in our minds. While the answer will never be fully known, Chris prevailed for years in outstanding ways in the face of mental health challenges. This time the burdens and stresses that he alone knew in full, proved to be too great. Often he reached out for help. This time he didn't. Those who love Chris reach out in desperation for God's grace and trust in His sovereignty for what we cannot fully understand.

We long, while grieving, to also be able to celebrate the gift of Chris's life. We long to see Chris's struggle become a means of encouraging others to seek the help from family, friends, pastors, and professionals that is needed to live life fully with mental health challenges.

In memory of Chris, contributions can be made to the "Pay the house for Jenna" fund at any Juniata Valley Bank location.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., 111 Westfall St., McAlisterville.

Published in Patriot-News from Feb. 19 to Feb. 21, 2016.