Greg Elmer Gemar

Gregory Elmer Gemar, a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, mentor, music teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 25, 2025. What a sacred and fitting day for him to return home to our Father in Heaven. Christmas will forever hold deeper meaning for our family—not only as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, but also as we honor and remember our beloved dad.

Greg was born on December 24, 1947, in Yankton, South Dakota, to Elmer Emanuel and Doris Marie (Kline) Gemar. He was the second of four children. From a young age, Greg loved staying active—participating in football, basketball, wrestling, track, debate, and school plays. He was also deeply involved in music, participating in both band and choir, where his exceptional voice was already evident, and he developed a strong work ethic that guided him throughout his life.

On December 28, 1977, Greg married the love of his life, Amy Coleen (Hansen) Lloyd, and lovingly became the father of three children, accepting them as his own. In marrying Amy, Greg also gained two families—the Hansens and the Lloyds—who instantly loved and embraced him as a son. Together, they built a beautiful life and family, welcoming four more children into their home. Greg treasured every moment spent with his family, who adored him, and will forever carry his spirit, his love of music, and his devotion to Notre Dame football in their hearts.

He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from University of South Dakota in Springfield. He later graduated with a Master’s in Human Resource Training and Development from Idaho State University.

Following his education, along with his teaching, Greg also dedicated many years to serving his community as a member of the Quick Response Unit, including a period as president of the Shelley/Firth QRU, and as a Red Cross instructor, where he was honored with the prestigious Clara Barton Award. In these roles, he exemplified calm leadership, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping others—training countless individuals in lifesaving skills and providing care in moments when it mattered most. His service reflected the same selflessness and devotion he brought to every aspect of his life.

Greg was an incredible man who touched countless lives. He deeply cherished the “music family” he gained throughout his teaching career. Through music, mentorship, and genuine kindness, he shaped lives in ways that will never be forgotten. He gave his heart freely and made everyone feel seen, valued, and encouraged. His legacy will live on through all who knew him, loved him, and were inspired by him. We feel profoundly blessed to call him ours. We know he is at peace, reunited with loved ones, and we take comfort in the promise that families are forever and that we will see him again.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Amy; his children: Graig Gemar; Teresa and Ryan Smith; Tom and Jodie Gemar; David and Heidi Gemar; Robert and Chelyn Gemar; Mindy and Josh Sorensen; Andrew and Kayla Gemar; and Nao and Yoko Ozeki; forty grandchildren; seven great grandchildren with two on the way; as well as his siblings: Sister Marie Gemar, Keith (Shelley) Gemar, and Jeff (Mary) Gemar.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Doris Gemar; his precious granddaughter, Kiersten Gemar; his in-laws, Heber and Dorothy Hansen, and Forest and Mary Jane Lloyd; two sisters-in-law, Susan Walton Hansen and Gloria Lloyd Stokes; and his brother-in-law, Dennis Stokes.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the Shelley Stake Center, 325 E. Locust Street. The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Nalder Funeral Home, 110 W. Oak Street, and Saturday morning from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will take place at Basalt Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Aspen Home Health and Hospice and their compassionate staff—especially Kara Yancey and Angela Sadovich—for the exceptional care, kindness, love, and support they provided while caring for our dad and loving him as family.

Those who would like to participate in the funeral service remotely are invited to view the service on a live broadcast at the following link:

https://www.shelleysouthstake.org/

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