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Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at 10:30 AM (Central).

Harold Thune Auditorium
Murdo, South Dakota

Wednesday, January 26, 2022 - 1:15 p.m. CST
White River Cemetery
White River, South Dakota
One hour prior to the funeral service at the auditorium.



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In memory of

Gary Knispel

of Murdo, South Dakota, died on Friday, January 21, 2022 at his home in Murdo at the age of 67

Gary Steven Knispel was born on April 10, 1954 in Winner, South Dakota. He attended elementary and secondary school in White River, South Dakota graduating in May 1972. He went directly into the work force after graduating from high school. His jobs included: working on a ranch, road construction, carpentry, and driving a fuel delivery truck.

He decided to pursue a college education in January 1982. Gary attended the University of South Dakota for a one and a half school years. He transferred to Black Hills State University and completed his undergraduate degree in May 1986. Gary received a master’s degree in Secondary School Administration from Chadron State College and a specialist degree in Educational Administration from University of Sioux Falls.


His first teaching job was in Beatrice, Nebraska. Gary taught history in junior high and high school. Gary taught one year in Beatrice. His next teaching job would also be his last one. Gary taught high school social science, coached basketball, and track. He then became a technology person as well as a principal. Gary finally became Superintendent of the Jones County School District. His tenure would last from 1987 to 2012. He retired in 2012. He then went back to the life he loved working on ranches and driving truck.


Gary’s life was based on three major themes: mentorship, friendship, and loyalty. He mentored numerous young adults in his life. This truly was a great joy in his life. Gary had the ability to draw people to him and the ability to motivate them to do their very best. Many of these mentorships turned into lifelong friendships.


A friendship to Gary was not a causal thing. He was totally committed to his friends and was always available to help them. Gary did not do anything halfway he did everything with a hundred percent of his ability.


Loyalty defined Gary’s life as a teacher, coach, friend, mentor, and family member. There was nothing Gary wouldn’t do for you if he felt you needed his help. Generosity was something Gary practiced in his life. He was always there for you in good times or bad times.

Gary went home to his heavenly father on January 21,2022 surrounded by his family.


Gary is survived by his brother Ronald Knispel; his sister, Jeanette (Jay) Drayer; many nieces and nephews plus numerous great nieces and great nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.


Gary’s family wishes to thank Dr. McKean, Cristina Gant, and all of the staff at the Prairie Cancer Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota for their expert, compassionate care. Jamie Hillmer and the staff at Helmsley Cancer Center in Pierre, South Dakota also provided expert and compassionate care. Dr. Richardson was Gary’s primary doctor, who saw him through numerous tough medical situations. His “angels”: Tammy Van Dam, Lea Glaze, Lexi Buxcel, and Lori Iversen in Murdo who cared for him for several severe medical problems.

In lieu of flowers, Gary would like memorials to go towards an outdoor basketball court at Jones County Elementary School.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 am CST Wednesday, January 26, at the Harold Thune Auditorium in Murdo with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Following a luncheon, interment will be held at 1:15 p.m. CST at the White River Cemetery.


Open the Memorial Folder


FUNERAL SERVICE
Wednesday, January 26, 2022 - 10:30 a.m.
Harold Thune Auditorium
Murdo, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney

EULOGY
Michael McKernan

MUSIC
Alyssa Hicks - Vocalist
“Amazing Grace”
“Go Rest High On That Mountain”

REGISTER BOOK ATTENDANTS
Tammy Van Dam - Lea Glaze
Lorrie Esmay - Stacey Booth

PALLBEARERS
Philip Mathews - Lanson Bartlett
Kenny Booth - Dustin Aske
Craig McKenzie - Nick Van Dam

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT
Wednesday, January 26, 2022 - 1:15 p.m. CST
White River Cemetery
White River, South Dakota

  • I will ALWAYS remember Mr. Knispel. He was my favorite basketball coach, one of my favorite teachers, and just a GOOD person. I'm so thankful to have had his influence on me when I was growing up. What a guy. ~ Shelly Greiner (2/7/2022)
  • I knew Gary from an early age, he was a good man. We will miss him. ~ Bill Ham and JennLHam Hubertus WI (1/29/2022)
  • Thoughts & prayers to Gary's family. ~ Janice Ellis White River, SD (1/27/2022)
  • Rest easy my friend, a stand up guy that would light up a room, some times scare you out of it with his loud voice. Thank you for all you have gave me in life. We will cherish your stories, You will be missed my friend. The Knisple ranch, all cow and no bull. Until we meet again. ~ Cole Venard Outer Banks, North Carolina (1/26/2022)
  • We were so glad to be able to participate from afar. A beautiful service! ~ John Drayer and Cindy Henfling Bosque Farms, NM (1/26/2022)
  • SD ~ Larry C Schmidt cousin Sioux Falls (1/26/2022)
  • We love Gary so much! We will miss our long phone conversations / crazy experiences from racing in a car or a boat to traveling across country ! Our debates on politics - history - life! Gary cared deeply for Family and friends. he was a game changer in life for many he adopted as family including his beloved community! Truly an inspiration to our family to me! We will see you in Heaven Gary!! ~ Sherry & Rick Mohr (cousin) Chippewa Falls Wi (1/25/2022)
  • What an Honor to know you Gary, you were one special guy! ~ Jody Rounseville Custer SD (1/24/2022)
  • Gary was a guy that made his mind up to do something he did it. That made him a friend of many. ~ Janice Ring 26928 SD Hwy 63 Norris, SD (1/24/2022)
  • Thoughts and prayers with the family during this difficult time. He had great influence on students he taught and coached and friend he made thru his life. ~ Jared Dowling Murdo, SD (1/23/2022)