PIERRE, SD -Gary Lee Hoscheid, 72, of Pierre passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A memorial service will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, December 20th at the First United Methodist Church in Pierre.
Gary was born on June 15, 1953, in St. James, MN, to Frank and Sylvia (Christianson) Hoscheid. Gary grew up and attended school in St. James graduating from St. James High School in 1971.
After graduation Gary received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy but following a knee surgery he had to withdraw his appointment. He decided to pursue his higher education at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on accounting in 1975.
Following graduation Gary moved to Pierre where he devoted 33 years to the South Dakota Department of Legislative Audit. It was also during this time he married Tonia Schrock in 1975 and to this union two children were born Rosslynn and Natalie and in August of 1984 Gary married Judy Starkey and two children were born Jennifer and Michele. During his time at the State he became a respected audit manager, carefully overseeing the work between the Legislative and Executive branches of state government. He retired in 2008, but his commitment to governance continued in retirement, as he acted as a Sargent at Arms in the South Dakota Senate for 16 sessions.
His passion to preserve natural habitats and foster youth engagement outdoors was evident through his passionate involvement with the Great Outdoor Youth Adventure where he dedicated countless hours volunteering. He also had life-long memberships and leadership roles in various conservation organizations, a steadfast member of the Pierre – Ft. Pierre Pheasants Forever and the Pierre Ducks Unlimited, also serving as the State Treasurer for the latter. He also contributed his time and wisdom to the Board of Directors for both the IWLA – Sunshine chapter, the High Plains Wildlife Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and served on the Board of Directors for Oahe Inc and was a past president.
Gary enjoyed having coffee with friends, sharing stories, and the importance of conservation and outdoors to younger generations. Above all he loved spending time with his grandchildren and woodworking.
He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Judy, his four daughters, Rosslynn (David) Riewe of Box Elder, SD and their children Jesse, Ashlynn, Emily, Logan and Mariah; Natalie Barnhouse of Concord, NC and her sons Daniel and Brenden; Jennifer (Luke) Neville of Philip, SD and their children Mirabella, Noah and Delilah; Michele (Matt) Paulsen of Summerset, SD and their daughter Kaylee, along with 6 great-grandchildren Beckett, Maya, Kamden, Brooks, Ellisyn, Lane and one great-granddaughter in the way.
He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and brothers, Norman and Ronald Hoscheid.
