Gary Heldt Obituary
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Gary was born Nov. 3, 1936 in Appleton, Mn to Clarence and Marie (Burk) Heldt. He graduated from Worthington, MN high school in 1954. He attended Worthington Jr. College.
Gary worked for Greyhound Bus Line in the accounting department in Minneapolis, MN. He returned to Worthington and worked for Old Home Bread Co. It was in Worthington where he met and married Connie Watts on March 26, 1961. Gary sold fertilizer in MN, IA, and SD for Smith Douglas Fertilizer. While living in Sioux Falls, SD their two children were born. The family moved to Brookings, SD in 1969. Gary started his own chemical and fertilizer business in the early 70s. He owned and operated the Sears store in Brookings. He became the Weed and Pest Supervisor for Brookings County. He received an award for being the supervisor of the year for SD. He retired from the county at the age of 70. Gary started his own home pest control business becoming well known as "The Bug Guy". He had the business for 9 years before selling it in 2011. Gary said this was the best job he ever had; because he enjoyed his customers so very much. Gary and Connie left their home on Lake Campbell and moved to Meadow Green in 2013.
Gary was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He was active in all the churches he attended. Gary enjoyed his coffee groups and playing pool with the "boys" at Meadow Green. Gary and Connie loved going to antique stores and flea markets. He was a big fan of the Minnesota Vikings football team and Twins baseball.
He is survived by his wife, Connie, his son Eric (Judy) Heldt of Las Vegas NV, their sons Ethan and Ryan, his daughter, Amy McCarty of San Diego, CA and her children, Griffin and Piper (Hunter).
He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marvel Prafke of St. Peter, MN, his brother Duane Heldt of Seal Beach, CA, and a baby brother.
Gary touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Condolences can be sent to the family through Rude's.
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105 W 8th St S PO Box 424, Brookings, SD 57006
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