Gary Russell
August 21, 1953 ~ August 23, 2019
Gary D. Russell, 66, of Miller, passed away Friday, August 23, 2019, surrounded by his family, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.
Funeral service with military honors was held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 29, 2019 at the First Presbyterian Church, Miller with Rev. Brian Jones officiating. Visitation began at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 28, 2019 followed by a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at Reck Funeral Home, Miller. Gary will be cremated after the funeral service and burial will be at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis at a later date.
Gary Dale was born August 21, 1953 at Jackson, Michigan to William “Bill” and Beverly Mae (Rickard) Russell. His family moved around; eventually settling in Miller where Gary graduated from Miller Highschool in 1971. Gary married Vicky Lanz at Stirling, Colorado on June 11, 1971. Gary enlisted in the United States Army at Fort Carson and their first child, Jennifer Ann, was born at Fort Carson on March 5, 1973. Gary and Vicky lived in Fort Carson, CO and then moved to Mannheim, Germany along with their one year old daughter, Jennifer, where Gary served in the Vietnam War for three years before returning back to the states. Gary and Vicky moved a number of times and he held different jobs. Their second child, Mason Lanz was born on May 2, 1979 in Miller. The family enjoyed being back in Miller around family and friends. Gary and Vicky lived in the same house for 30 years before moving to the farm near St. Lawrence.
Gary loved his family and cherished his pets. Gary and Vicky were always together, holding hands. They were a pair that belonged together. He was always busy working on projects whether it was working on the home renovation, yard work or wood working. Gary’s “man cave” was very organized and meticulous. For 36 years, Gary worked at Tucker’s SuperValu. If you ever shopped at the store, you knew Gary for sure. He was known for his gentle personality.
Gary leaves his loving wife, Vicky, of 48 years; his children: Jennifer (Don) Herman of Miller, and Mason (Jaime) Russell of Miller; grandchildren: Shelby (Wade) Werdel of Miller, Haydn Herman (Brooke), Keeley Herman, Hunter Russell, Gage Russell, and Preslie Russell; two great grandsons: Rayne and Rowen Werdel; sisters: Linda (Steve) Ziegler of Miller, Frances (Jerry) Alumbaugh of Pierre, and Michelle (Robert) Hopper of Pierre; parents-in-law: David and Eleanor Lanz; sisters-in-law: Brenda (Daryl) Dedman and Leanna (Dale) Resel; nephews: Heath, Jeff, and Matthew “Todd” Ziegler; Clint and Christopher Alumbaugh; Charlie, Lenny, and Rob Hopper; Ryan (Padyn) Resel, Mick (Crystal) Resel; nieces: Elizabeth, Laura, and Anna Hopper, Trish (Scott) Teason, Kierston (Walter) Blake, Darcy Onaindia, Torie Wamser; Anna (Junior) Black; and many friends and co-workers.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and nephew, David Engle.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Gary’s arrangements.
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Gary was a great man. Worked with him many years. I am so sorry to hear this. My deepest sympathy to Vicky and his children. God be with you all.
Gary was an amazing man, he will be missed by so many.
Till we meet again !
God has aquired a most gentle soul. Truly enjoyed Gary, and I know his greatest love was Vicki and their family. May he be at peace.
I am so sorry! He was such a great guy! You are all in our prayers!
I am very saddened to learn of Gary's passing. My sincerest sympathies to you all.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I am hoping your many wonderful memories will bring you comfort at this difficult time.
My deepest sympathy to Vicki and family
our sincere condolences to your family. Gary will be missed by so many..
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
So So sorry to hear this my sympathy to everyone
So sorry for your loss.
So Sorry for your Loss.
He was a GREAT Guy and Co Worker
Our Deepest Sympathy
Dick and Kathy Sympathy
Vici,I had no idea this would be the last time I would have the opportunity to put my arm around one of my compadres, close friend and one of the five of us that got together almost every night to drag main or hang out at the bowling alley or Mann's or Lips Hotel to sit,talk,drink coffee and just enjoy. I can't imagine your pain but feel a large portion of it. Heaven is a better place and earth has a big empty spot in it. God be with you.
Rick
Vicki & family, so sorry for your loss. Thinking & praying for you all. Gary was such a kind & gentle guy to have known, he will be extremely missed!
Worked with Gary at the lake this summer. Great guy! He will be missed. My sympathy to the family.
Gary will be missed by so many people. He was one heck of a nice guy and so much fun to work with. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family.
I worked with Gary years ago and I am so sorry for your loss
My deepest sympathy.
Oh my what can I say ….I am so sorry for your loss ! Gary has been an icon in Miller ! His bright smile and his love for his wife are and were remarkable ! I remember admiring their relationship even back in MHS days ! May you all find peace.
Our Sympathy to Vicki and kids. Hold tight to all of the memories that you have.
So sorry to hear about Gary ! I knew him when he worked at Tucker’s he was fun to be around and he was an awesome man! He will be missed by all ! Prayers to the family!!
Vicki, I am shocked and having a hard time wrapping my head around Gary’s demise.I am SO sorry for your loss! My deepest sympathy!
Vicki, So sorry to hear about Gary. You are in the thoughts of many.
We are so sorry for your loss. Gary was such a kind man. Molli will sure miss sharing cookies with him. Prayers to all of you during this sad and difficult time. I know Gary is smiling down on you all and your memories will last forever
All our thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss.
As I share in the loss of my only brother, I – as are all of us are still in shock of Gary's passing. Vicky, you were the love of his life, thank you for loving him back just as deeply! His children & grandchildren were his world. You couldn't find a gentler, kinder man. Gary & I were the middle children (mom refered to us as their wild children) We probably gave our parents a bit more worry, but we sure knew how to have fun! We shared a special bond! I have many wonderful memories of my brother. I will never forget his great sense of humor. He "pulled" some memorable ones. I miss you dear brother ! I'm sure you are with Dad & Mom catching them up on everything ! I love you! ! Till we meet again!!
May you be in peace. You were a blast to work with Super Valu and I will always fondly remember my boxing days as Billy “Sweet William” Harrell. Thanks to you and Rodney for coaching us that year. My sincere condolences to Vickie and the rest of the family.
My condolences to the family. It is difficult enough to lose our elders, and even more difficult, a classmate. No one lives forever but when it is someone your own age…words escape me here.,, Please take care and know the thoughts of many are with you and your family.
My deepest sympathy to you all!
So Sorry for your Loss. Prayers sent for all your Families.
So sorry to hear Vicki – May the loving arms of Our LORD surround you and provide comfort and strength as you walk forward
So very sorry to hear about Gary. He always had a smile and a twinkle in his eye and loved his family so much. Special prayers for you and your family.
Sorry for the loss of your husband father grandfather brother and friend. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Sorry the hear about this my condolences go out to the Russell family
My mom loved working together with him at the deli
Thinking of you all!!! Gary was such a great man! He will be missed by all!!! Take care!
Thoughts are with you and the family Vicki . While it's been a few years I've never forgotten the great times we all had together. May that good man rest in peace.
Vicki and family, we are sorry to hear about Gary. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Vicki what can I say, so many memories, starting in 1963. Living next to the Russell’s long before working with Gary. What a guy. Wonder if we all should have had such a good time and made so many memories while on the “clock”
What a lifetime of the greatest memories you have! May you find peace with your memories.
Most people would not have left all these good memories for so many people!
RI You will be greatly missed!
What a great and kind man you were married to!
Our deepest condolences to all of Gary's family. He is a good, kind, gentle man who will be missed by all who knew him. Take comfort in knowing he is now wrapped in the arms of our Lord and Savior. God Bless you all.
So sorry to hear of Gary's passing, please accept our condolences.
Our hearts ache for your loss, Vicki and family! Gary was, in deed, one of a kind. He always had a gentle smile and caring heart! Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief and sorrow! Gary is now at peace with our Lord! He will be missed greatly! May God be with you today and always!
So sorry to hear of your loss. Mason you had a really great Dad, he will be missed by the whole town and beyond Miller.