Gary W. McKiver

Gary Wallace McKiver, age 82, of Shakopee MN, went home to be with Jesus on Sunday, September 14, 2025.

Gary was born June 9, 1943 in Aberdeen, SD. He grew up on a farm outside of Stratford, SD. He raised and showed his prized hogs at the Brown County, SD fair. He played youth baseball for Ferney, SD. He attended a one room Brown County school house in until 1957, transitioning to Groton, SD Public School where he graduated in 1961. Growing up Gary developed a passion for music, attending Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD and the University of Denver for music composition. Gary has written and published many songs. He was an accomplished musician proficient in the accordion, piano and guitar.

Gary married the love of his life, Judy (Kirschman) of Pierpont, SD on July 6, 1963. They moved to MN in 1968 and settled in Shakopee in 1969.

For many years, Gary played the organ and music for St. John's Lutheran Church (Shakopee, MN) and Faith Lutheran Church, (Shakopee, MN). He also enjoyed playing accordion for The Rhythm Kings at the Pullman Club, the VFW, and various locations around the Twin Cities, MN. He worked at The First National Bank of Shakopee and the Scott Co, MN auditors office for many years. Gary cherished spending time with his family, fishing, hunting and had a beautiful lily garden of many colors.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Myrtle (Bade), infant brother Gregory. He is survived by his wife, Judy; children Kyle (Connie), Karl (Dan Clausen), Kari McKiver; grandson, Samuel Clausen-McKiver; sister Judy (Richard Fliehs); and many nieces and nephews.

Please join us in celebration of Gary's life at Faith Lutheran Church, 150 130th St. W., Shakopee, MN 55379, on Saturday, October 4, 2025, with Visitation from 10:00 a.m - 11:00 a.m, and Service at 11:00 a.m. Luncheon will follow at church.

POSTCARDS FROM HEAVEN

Gary W. McKiver

c. 1995

When I look at the front of a postcard

It always will picture a place,

Beautiful scenery enticing to me,

Good times are always the case;

On the back there is room for a message,

A personal note to bring cheer,

That I'd want a friend or acquaintance to read,

Like, "Hi, having fun, wish you were here."

Postcards from heaven delivered to me

Picture a place that I'm wanting to be;

Promising things I can only dream of,

Postcards from heaven, sent down with love.

When I look through the books of my Bible

They always will picture a place,

Beauty beyond what I can comprehend,

Good times are always the case;

Front to back they are full of the message

The personal promise of Jesus, my Lord,

That He wants me there eternally.