Gary L. Lager, 64, of Sioux Falls, passed away at Avera McKennan Dougherty Hospice surrounded by family on Thursday, April 24, 2014 after a short but courageous battle with cancer.
Funeral services were Wednesday, April 30, at Celebrate Church in Sioux Falls with interment at Hills of Rest Memorial Park. Visitation with family present was Tuesday, April 29 at Miller Funeral Home in Sioux Falls.
Gary Lynn Lager, son of Charles and Ruth (Lambert) Lager was born on Feb. 28, 1950 at Mitchell. He grew up in Artesian where he graduated from high school in 1968. Gary continued his education by earning a Bachelor’s Degree in business and physical education from Dakota State College in Madison.
He was united in marriage with Donna Jans on Dec. 28, 1974 in Sioux Falls. They lived in Idaho for two years and then returned to Sioux Falls. Gary worked in insurance sales for Globe Life. The family made a short-term move to Fargo, N.D., then returned to Sioux Falls, where they made their permanent home. Gary continued to work with Globe Life, as well as working with Gary Cone’s Amoco and FM Acoustical Tile in Tea. He retired in 2012, but quickly returned to part-time employment at Gary Cone’s Amoco.
Gary was a life-long outdoorsman where he liked fishing, was an avid hunter and enjoyed his annual pheasant hunts and deer hunting trips to Wood, SD.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Donna Lager, Sioux Falls; two daughters, Jennifer Pravecek and husband, Dennie, and Melissa Tschetter and husband, Kyle, all of Sioux Falls; six grandchildren; two brothers, Robert and wife, Barb, Miller, and Donald and wife Shirley, Sioux Falls; a sister, Lila Jean Annis and husband, Dick, Mesa, Ariz.; his best friend and hunting companion, Bailey; and a host of aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents.