VIVIAN, SD –

Marty Gannon, 72, of Vivian, SD died Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at his home.

Memorial service will be 11:00 am on Friday, December 29, 2023 at Vivian Lutheran Church.

Inurnment will be in Vivian Cemetery.

Martin Joseph Gannon was born on November 24th, 1951.

At the age of twenty-four Marty was preceded in death by his father, Edward (Eddie) Gannon. Ed’s passing prompted the need for Marty, as a young man, to take on the task of running the family businesses of farming and managing the store uptown in Vivian, Gannon’s Mercantile. In addition to these responsibilities, he continued to care for his mother, Edith Gannon, until her passing in 2012. Marty was also preceded in death by his Grandmother Ellen Knudtson, his Uncle Dave Brown, Aunts and Uncles Burke and Lilian Sevryn, Charles and Evelyn Halgrimson, Ted and Arlene Brown, and his beloved dogs, Bear, Bud, Molly, and Snickers. Marty Gannon left our world this December 6th, in the year of our Lord 2023.

Marty was a lifelong resident of Vivian, South Dakota, and a member of the last graduating class of Vivian High School. After graduating from high school Marty attended Black Hills State College where his acts and exploits made him a “legend” as once stated by a fraternity brother. He was an avid outdoor enthusiast, sportsman, conservationist, farmer, and jack of all trades.

Marty Gannon was also a man who marched to the beat of his own drum. A drum that he alone contrived with the cadence entirely of his own devices. He liked it this way, and would quickly dismiss any advisements that would be suggested otherwise. In his living years, he may have been misunderstood at times. For he was a man that felt no importance to any material object or worldly possession, but would rather spend time relishing in any conversation, anywhere, with anyone, and much more so with a beer or two in tow. Marty loved his friends, and had the pain of seeing too many go before him. He was a kind and a most compassionate soul that cared greatly for children, and especially for those that had the least, and for many, he was the true Santa Claus granting many wishes in this season.

Marty greatly appreciated the outdoors and all it had to offer. He was a caregiver to all animals, even the lowest of all creatures; even proclaiming his appreciation for rattlesnakes. He would purposely leave strips in his fields or piles of feed in his yard for any passing and wanting wildlife. His love of the outdoors and animals leant well to his lifelong passion for farming and all the corresponding labors accompanying this work. He made no apologies for his love of his dogs, and was torn with the passing of each. They too, equally shared in Marty’s love for the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and farming.

Big Marty is survived in this world by his sister, Mary Ellen Link (Gannon), her husband, Rodney Link, who Marty also loved as his own brother. His nephews and niece, Roddy (and Bridget) Link, Garrett (and Maurine) Link, Marty (and Holly) Link, and Noelle (and Travis) Auch. Also surviving Marty are his great nieces and nephews, who all fondly remember rides on his combine, tractor, and Harley; Trevor, Molly, Keegan, and Bailey Link (Roddy and Bridget), Morgan and Payton (Garrett and Maurine), Zach and Spencer (Marty and Holly), Zoey, Kylie and Devin and Lily (Travis and Noelle Auch).

May eternal rest be granted unto Marty, O Lord,

And let perpetual light shine upon him.

May he rest in peace. Amen

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