Gary Gene Bartels, 68, of Pierre, SD, passed away on March 21, 2023 after a long battle with cancer.  A Graveside Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm, Thursday, April 27, 2023 at Scotty Philip Cemetery in Fort Pierre.

Gary was born on August 11, 1954 to John and Donna (Lofgren) Bartels in Pierre, SD. As a child, Gary grew up to learn the importance of hard work and the value of a dollar. He fell in love with trucking after going with his dad on the road. He would spend hours telling anyone he could all of the stories of being in the truck as a kid. Gary graduated from Stanley County High School in 1972.

After graduation, he started working at the Pierre Airport which led him to attending Lake Area Tech in Watertown, SD where he studied Aviation Mechanics. After graduating he moved to Gettysburg, SD for a couple of years before returning to the Pierre area where he held various maintenance titles throughout the community of Pierre and Fort Pierre.

After a lifelong dream of being an over the road truck driver, his dream FINALLY came true and he started making runs across the country. This was his true passion in life and what made him the happiest. He loved his truck and the open road and would have spent every waking hour on runs if he could. He made his last cross country run the beginning of March 2023 before having to retire from driving.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents; paternal grandparents, Henry and Edith Bartels; maternal grandparents, August and Esther Lofgren; several uncles and his Aunt Ruby.

1. Add to favourites
2. Report abuse