Gary A. Heintz

A celebration of life will take place from 5-7pm with a prayer service at 7pm on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at Feigum Funeral Home in Pierre. Funeral service will be at 11am on Friday, September 8, 2023, at the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Pierre with reception immediately following. Burial will take place at 2pm at Medicine Hill Cemetery in Harrold, SD. Click here to watch Gary's service live
Gary A. Heintz of Pierre, SD passed away on September 1, 2023 at the age of 76. Gary was born on December 27, 1946 in Pierre, SD and grew up in Harrold, SD. After graduation from Harrold High School, Gary attended and graduated from Northern State College in Aberdeen, SD. Gary married Diana Kutz and four children were born to this union.
Gary taught English at Harrold High School for nine years, and also enjoyed directing school plays. He sold Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance for three years, then State Farm Insurance for 39 years, retiring from State Farm in 2020. During his years as an independent State Farm agent, Gary was passionate about advocating for his clientele and was well-respected within Pierre and the surrounding communities.
Gary enjoyed golfing, riding horseback including team roping events with his father, ballroom dancing, and playing and coaching basketball. He had a love for history and served on the board of the South Dakota Historical Society Foundation. Gary was an avid writer, writing stories about growing up in Harrold, and submitting articles to the two different newspapers. Gary spent numerous hours reading and talking about world history.
Gary married the love of his life, Patti, on November 23, 2004. They enjoyed riding trail horses, dancing, traveling, music, watching movies, and laughing together. Gary's love for Patti was evident through his thoughts and actions. He always shared his appreciation and respect for the way she cared for him throughout their marriage, especially during his health struggles. Gary was a loving soul who left his impression on this world to all he knew.
Gary was a founding member in the formation of the band Plains Folk. The group performed at numerous public events and fairs around the state, and at the SD Capitol rotunda during the Christmas season.
Gary was a co-founder of the Dakota Western Heritage Festival, along with Carmen Magee. The Festival celebrated cowboy poetry and music, and the cowboy way of life. This festival grew into a regionally known event with attendees from across the country. During this festival, Gary was in his element and spent the entire weekend smiling from ear to ear. By the time the festival came to a close, everyone who participated was family.
Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Patti, one sister: Debra (Gary) Hobert of Harrold, SD; four children: Kristine (John) Giroux of Larned, KS; Jacqueline (Lorin) Wilcox of North Logan, UT; Rebecca (Tomas) Urias of Mesa, AZ; Matthew (Rebekah) Heintz of Mesa, AZ; two step daughters: Beth (Chris) Henrichsen of Pierre, SD and Amy (Dennis) Hotchkin of Youngsville, NC, nine grandchildren, one great granddaughter, nephews, cousins, friends, his dog Augie and very special friends Carmen and Fred Magee. Gary was preceded in death by his parents Woodrow "Red" and Grace Heintz.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Avera Oncology in Pierre, SD.