CHAMBERLAIN, SD – Funeral services for Gary D. “Little Mac” McQuistion, 69, of Chamberlain will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at the United Church of Christ in Chamberlain with visitation beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the church.  Burial will be at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday in the Scotty Philip Cemetery at Fort Pierre, SD.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be directed to the Chamberlain AAU Wrestling Program.  Donations in Gary’s name can be mailed to:  Wells Fargo Bank, ATTN: Chamberlain AAU Wrestling Program/Melissa Rinehart, 201 S Main St., Chamberlain, SD 57325.

Gary “Little Mac” McQuistion, age 69, passed away peacefully at his home on April 3, 2025. He was born on May 22, 1955 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre, SD. Gary spent his summers on a fourth-generation family ranch northwest of Fort Pierre, South Dakota. He graduated from Stanley County High School, class of 1973, where he often joked that he walked five miles uphill both ways just to get to class.

A talented athlete, Gary was a record-holding wrestler who carried his love for the sport into coaching, mentoring countless young athletes as an AAU Youth Wrestling coach for the Chamberlain Cubs. His dedication to the sport was only matched by his commitment to his family and his work. For nearly 40 years, Gary worked at Dakota Radio Group, where he was a familiar and reliable presence, always striving to support those he loved.

On January 27, 1990, Gary married Kristine Ann Parke—the love of his life. Together they were loving parents of their three sons: Clinton (Taylor) McQuistion, John (Shelby) McQuistion, and Andy (Shannon) McQuistion. Though Kristine lost her battle with cancer on July 30, 2000, Gary continued to honor her memory with unwavering strength, devotion, and love.

In 2005, Gary remarried and welcomed two daughters, JaeLee and Haley Soulek, into his heart and home, embracing the “Brady Bunch” life. His fondest memories were time spent on the boat, singing his music, with all of his kids. Though he and Shawn Brennan later parted ways in 2020, Gary remained a proud father figure and cherished the expanded family they created together.

Known for his sharp sense of humor, firm values, and deep devotion to his children and grandchildren, Gary made an impression everywhere he went. After retiring, he took on the role of a school bus driver for the Chamberlain School District, quickly becoming a favorite among students as the “coolest bus driver” around.

Gary was also known for his passion for barbecue. As the founder of SouthernDakota Q, his catering business that ran for nearly 20 years, he became famous for his delicious cooking—especially his secret Peach Bean recipe, which became a staple at many local events and family gatherings.

Gary’s life was one of dedication, resilience, laughter, and love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his memory will live on through the many lives he touched.

He is survived by his sons Clinton, John, and Andy McQuistion; daughters JaeLee and Haley Soulek; and his beloved grandchildren: Adrienne, Kristine, Deagan, Owen, Alo, Parker, Zayden, River, Lennon, and Cedar, who lovingly knew him as “Pappy.” He is also survived by his brother Larry McQuistion and mother-in-law Priscilla Parke.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kristine Ann McQuistion; his parents, John Clinton McQuistion and Esther McQuistion; his brother, John McQuistion; and his father-in-law, Clifford Parke. There were many waiting to greet him at Heaven’s gates.

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