Grant Brimhall Gertsch

Grant Gertsch, 73, of Ten Sleep Wyoming passed away peacefully on July 15, 2026. He was born in Pocatello, Idaho on November 12, 1952, to Ezra and Lucille (Brimhall) Gertsch.

The youngest of four children, Grant spent his childhood following the athletic footsteps of his older brothers and cheering for his sister at beauty pageants. From an early age, his father, brothers, and uncles introduced him to camping, leading to a lifelong passion that often saw him turning the family living room into a campsite. When he grew older, he could frequently be found hunting birds with his friends on the Fort Hall Reservation.

His football talents earned him recruitment offers from numerous western universities. He chose to play for the University of Utah, where he excelled as a defensive back and safety, wearing number 17 on the field. While playing for the Utes across all four years, he worked his summers as a trail riding guide in Yellowstone. Though invited to try out for the New Orleans Saints and getting his bachelor degree in secondary education, the pull of the Wyoming backcountry was stronger, prompting him to move to Jackson and get horseback.

Grant lived his passion as a licensed Wyoming guide and outfitter. Alongside his nephew Larry and Larry’s wife Tina, Grant guided summer pack trips into the Yellowstone backcountry, traversing the Thorofare and the Snake River’s headwaters. He took many families and dudes on wilderness adventures. He guided archery and rifle hunters in the Teton Wilderness, Gros Ventre, and Greys rivers, and led winter snowmobile tours into the park. Grant also did winter work for the Wyoming Game and Fish feeding elk at the South Park Feedground and vaccinating elk on the National Elk Refuge. He was happiest on a good horse with a great dog, preparing for the Greys River mule deer hunt. He retired to Ten Sleep in 2015.

Nothing meant more to Grant than his family. The Gertsch clan was the center of his world, and he was immensely proud of his brothers, Darrell and Guy, his sister, Darlene, and his

sister-in-law, Chris. His conversations were always filled with pride for his many nieces and nephews. Grant met Lara Sweeney in 2000, and they married June 18, 2005, taking on many backcountry adventures together. Following the birth of their daughter Grace in 2007, he truly thrived in his role as a devoted girl dad.

Grant was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Guy Gertsch.

He is survived by his wife, Lara; daughters Grace Gertsch, and Shawnti (Brian) Barnett of Draper, Utah; stepson Derek Thompson of Jackson, Wyoming; brother Darrell (Chris) Gertsch of Alpine, Wyoming; sister Darlene Gertsch of Nampa, Idaho; and many beloved grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Private family services will be held at a date yet to be determined. Donations to the Ten Sleep Ambulance Service in his name would be appreciated. Please send checks to PO Box 524 Worland, Wyoming 82401. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that if you enjoyed the ride, kiss your horse, and tip your guide. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.