82
Beresford
October 26, 2025
Gary D. Lundberg was born April 14, 1943 in Clay County, South Dakota to Oscar and Elna (Larson) Lundberg. He died October 26, 2025 in Sioux Falls at the age of 82 years.
He was born and raised on the family farm west of Beresford, where he lived his entire life. Gary attended Glenwood Country School and graduated from Beresford High School. On April 9, 1976 he married Diane Larsen. However, if you asked Gary he would tell you it was the 10th – no evidence could change this Swede’s mind. Together they operated a farm, including dairy cattle, for many years. After farming, Gary worked for 26 years at John Morrell & Co. in Sioux Falls.
Gary enjoyed downhill skiing in his earlier years, even having the opportunity to ski in the Swiss Alps and in Colorado. He loved to regale us with the story of how he skied all day with Robert Redford. Much to Diane’s dismay, he never asked for his autograph.
Gary and Diane were blessed with two daughters, who could not be more opposite. Jessica hated getting dirt on her clothes, whereas Amy found every mud puddle on the farm. Family was everything to Gary and he was so proud of them. One of Gary’s favorite traditions was purchasing a gift for the Salvation Army Angel Tree. He proudly donated a bike each year. He would set off to purchase a bike for a little boy, but somehow the bike was always pink with streamers and a bell.
Later in life Gary decided he did not have enough frustration, so he took up golf. He was an avid golfer and spent many days playing the course in Beresford and surrounding area. Gary enjoyed spending many hours playing a round or two. He was cursed with a left slice and short game that frustrated him and occasionally earned him the dreaded pink ball.
After he and Diane raised their daughters, they loved sharing their time with their “adopted grandkids”, Josiah and Bethany Knutson. He loved spoiling the two of them. They were one of his great joys.
Grateful for having shared his life is his wife of 49 years, Diane; two daughters, Jessica (Justin) Jons and Amy (Robert) Dravland; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Lundberg and Janice (Richard) Spaans; numerous nieces and nephews; and his honorary grandchildren, Josiah and Bethany Knutson.
Preceding him in death are his parents, siblings and in-laws: Doug Lundberg, Ronnie & Nancy Lundberg, Shirley & Walt Brill and Barb & Harold Hofman, as well as Harvey & Ruth Larsen.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 at Wass Funeral Home in Beresford with burial at Nazareth Lutheran Cemetery.