Gary LaFurge
July 11, 1943 ~ March 30, 2024
Gary LaFurge, 80, of Hoven, passed away Saturday, March 30, 2024, at his home.
Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Hoven, with Fr. Joseph Holzhauser presiding. Burial will follow at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Highmore.
Richard Gary LaFurge was born in Pierre, SD on July 11, 1943, to Claude and Alice (Fuller) LaFurge. He attended country school and Highmore High School, graduating in 1961.
After working on the dam in Ft. Thompson for a few years, Gary attended Southern State in Springfield, SD, graduating in 1967. He married Pat Naber at St. Liborius Church, Polo, SD in August of 1967. They moved to Hoven where he taught social studies and history until retiring after 32 years in 2000.
Gary enjoyed west river hunting with friends for many years. He and Pat had a place at West Whitlock and spent lots of time fishing. He enjoyed taking the grandkids out fishing and skiing. Gary and his friends enjoyed many “happy hours” there. For a few years, Gary and Pat spent winters in Mesa, AZ.
Grateful to have shared in his life are his wife, Pat of Hoven; daughters: Tammy Anderson, Castlewood, SD, and Dawn (Casey) Weisser, Andover, KS; granddaughters: Dr. McKenzie Weisser, Megan Weisser, and Morgan Anderson; sister, Patricia (Jim) Moshier, Sioux Falls; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Alice; two nephews, Jason Naber and Jeff Moshier; and his wife’s parents: Leonard and Emily Naber.
Gary truly loved his six girls!
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Gary’s arrangements.
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I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of Gary. He was always ALWAYS a favorite teacher! May you find comfort and peace knowing he’s at rest. Sending you all prayers.
Our deepest sympathy to Gary’s family. We miss Gary and Pat at West Whitlock. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Our sympathy is with Gary’s family at this difficult time. His stories will be remembered and enjoyed at our happy hours at West Whitlock. You will be missed.
Patti and family,
Prayers of comfort are sent to you during this time of the loss of your husband and father.
Thoughts and prayers and sincere condolences
Mr. LaFurge was one of my all-time favorite teachers. I have great memories of his stories in history classes and cooking/baking foods in Home Ec classes related to our geography lessons. To teach is to touch a life forever – thank you Mr. LaFurge for positively impacting so many students in Hoven!
Our thoughts & prayers go out to Gary's wife & family. Gary was a great guy & will be missed.
Pat and family. Our sincere sympathy to you and your family during your time of sorrow. Thankful that we got to know you both during the times in Az. Keeping you all in our prayers. Les and Cil.
Remembering our early years arriving in Hoven as educators. We spent many crazy times together & raising our kids. May memories of your family help to guide you through the difficult time ahead. Sending our condolences.
Sending prayers of comfort and healing to your family. Mr. LaFurge was one of my most favorite teachers and a wonderful person as well! God Bless!
So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I grew up just a half mile as the crow flies from his home. He had moved from home by the time I came along but would still see him and Pat when we worked cattle. Dad had a Trailor close to him at whitlock and we'd see him there in later years. Was always fun to visit with him. I bet him and Dad are telling fishing stories, I had always heard what a great teacher he was. Heaven gained a good guy.
Thank you for giving me a love for history. You didn't put up with any nonsense and you challenged us. My sympathies to your family. I know you will be missed. Rest in peace Mr. LaFurge.
condolences to Gary's Family. Gary and I were best friends in High School. what a guy he was. Fond Memories.
Gary otherwise know as "Catfish" will be truly missed at the river. We always enjoyed our neighborly chats. Our sympathy to the family he was a Special Guy!
Prayers to Gary’s family! He was one of my favorite teachers! Hoven will miss him!
Mr. LaFurge was such a gift to so many students!! As Maya Angelou said, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Whenever we walked in his classroom, we knew he truly loved us and cared about us! Thank you, Mr. Lafarge, for making such an impact on all our lives! Prayers for the family!
Gary, I just heard you had passed. I spent several years as the Hoven Superintendent, and never had a better (in all my 48 years in education). You were the man I most admired, Gary.