Gary Halva

A Mass of Christian Burial for Gary Halva, age 79, of Gregory, SD, was held at 2 p.m., Friday, March 27, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gregory, SD, with Fr. Ron Garry as celebrant. Carol Anderson and Lloyd Hansen were in charge of registrations and were also honorary casket bearers. Bob Shaffer, Doug Lindquist, Dave Chocholousek, Dennis Hansen, and Greg Lundberg were casket bearers. Interment was at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Gregory, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Gary Raymond Halva was born October 5, 1946, to Ruby Hageman Halva and Neil Halva. The family lived by Neil’s parents, Frank and Mary Halva, near Dixon, SD. In 1962 a tornado took their farm and they moved to Neil’s parents’ place.

Gary was baptized at St. Stephan Catholic Church in Dixon, SD. Gary attended country school for four or five years until the teacher decided not to teach him and that was the end of his education.

Gary smoked a pipe like his grandpa Halva, and he liked to sit and watch people work in the fields. He loved going to the horse sale at the Gregory Sale Barn and to Carlock to listen to music.

His father Neil died in 1984, and the family remained on the farm. After the death of their mother in 2010 the boys sold the farm and bought a small place west of Gregory.

In March of 2020 the two brothers became residents of Avera Rosebud Country Care Center in Gregory.

Gary’s brother Terry was very faithful in taking care of Gary. Terry passed away in 2020.

Gary passed away on March 22, 2026, at the Avera Rosebud Country Care Center at the age of 79 years.

Gary was the last of his family and was preceded in death by his parents Ruby and Neil and his brother Terry.