Tristan Ray Gihring

Wood River: Tristan Ray Gihring, 10, earned his angel wings at 3am on Monday, February 6, 2017, at St. Louis Children’s Hospital following a heroic battle with cancer. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends. He was born on March 3, 2006, in Alton, the son of Dan Gihring and Jennifer Hamlett. Survivors include his dad Dan Gihring of Godfrey, his mom and step - father: Jennifer and Dustin Edwards of Wood River, one sister: Trinity Edwards of Wood River, two brothers: Josh Cates of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Travis Gihring of Wood River, his maternal grandparents: Sid and Lucy Hamlett of El Paso, Texas, his paternal grandparents: Doug Gihring of Godfrey, Debbie and Dave King of Bethalto, his step grandparents: Joe and Teresa Driscoll of Chandler, Arizona, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and other extended family and friends. If you knew him, his voice was always heard. Even when diagnosed and lost the ability to speak his words came across loud and clear through his tablet. His sweet and lovely smirk could melt the heart of those around him. During Tristan’s illness he became very frail but he still possessed the heart of a warrior. He had a love of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Legos, Minecraft, you tube, playing outside, bike riding, playing soccer, swimming, 4 wheeling at Aunt Lee’s, being with his family, and listening to music. He loved the color blue. Tristan had a unique personality with a no filter attitude. He had a heart of gold and loved the babies in the family. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandma: Myrna Hamlett. In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 3pm to 7pm on Thursday, February 9, 2017, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Funeral services will be held at 10:30am on Friday, February 10, 2017, at the funeral home. Pastor Stan Hunt will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family and will be accepted at the funeral home. In Tristan’s honor, the family requests that you wear your Team Tristan or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle attire.