PIERRE, SD – Gary Edward Wallace passed away on March 24, 2025, at Good Samaritan Society in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Born on February 12, 1943, in Van Nuys, California, to Harley and Hazel (Raschdorf) Wallace.

Gary’s early years were spent across several communities in the Midwest, including Long Prairie, Minnesota; Riverdale, North Dakota; Sioux Falls, Madison, Gettysburg, Mobridge, and Pierre, South Dakota. He graduated from Pierre Riggs High School in 1961 and began working as a clerk at the Pierre Walgreens Drug Store. What started as a job quickly became a lifelong vocation. When the downtown Walgreens closed its doors, Gary continued his career at the uptown Walgreens Post Corner Drug Store, where he remained a familiar and friendly presence for many years.

A man of many interests and talents, Gary was an active member of the local Amateur Radio Club and an avid Ham Operator. His passion for radio communications spanned five decades and connected him with fellow enthusiasts across continents. These long-distance friendships were a source of great joy and camaraderie throughout his life.

Gary also had a profound love for chess. As a member of the Pierre Chess Club, he played both locally and through correspondence—first by U.S. Mail and later via email—with opponents around the globe. His dedication to the game earned him the prestige of South Dakota State Chess Champion twice, first in 1971 and again in 1992.

Photography was another of Gary’s cherished pursuits. He took great pride in capturing family moments during Christmas gatherings and other celebrations, often serving as the family photographer.

In quieter moments, he enjoyed strumming his guitar or engaging friends and family in spirited card games—especially Pinochle, where everyone hoped to be his partner.

Despite facing increasing physical challenges due to arthritis beginning in his youth, Gary met life with quiet strength and unwavering kindness. Eventually wheelchair-bound, he rarely spoke of his condition and remained ever ready to offer support or brighten someone’s day with his warm smile.

Gary is survived by his sister Janet Dowling of Draper, SD; four brothers of Pierre: Robert Wallace, Edward Wallace, Dean (Debbie) Wallace, and Don (Peggy) Wallace; nieces Lisa (John) Peary of Brookings, SD, and Heather (Josh) Hall of Sioux Falls, SD; nephews Robert Jr. Wallace of Lead, SD; Jason (Jessica) Anderson of Cary, NC; Scott Wallace of Spearfish, SD; Eric Wallace of Rapid City, SD; and Brad (Darcy) Higbee of Black Hawk, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents Harley and Hazel Wallace; brother-in-law Scott Dowling; and sister-in-law Helen Wallace.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m., both at Isburg Funeral Chapel located at 439 S Pierre St., Pierre, SD. A luncheon will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the American Legion Hall at 520 S Pierre St., with burial to take place at 1:15 p.m. at Pierre Riverside Cemetery.

Gary’s life was one of quiet dedication—to his work, his hobbies, his family, and the communities he built through shared passions. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.

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