GaryRaymondLinafelter, age 88, of Wessington Springs, SD, passed away October 20, 2025. He was a long time resident of Arizona City, AZ. Per his request, no funeral service will be held. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, October 24, 2025, at Nurnberg-Basham Funeral Service in Wessington Springs. Burial will be 10 a.m., Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Prospect Hill Cemetery.
HewasbornonNovember 3, 1936, near Alpena, SD, to Raymond and Elsie (Tiede) Linafelter. Gary was the oldest of six children. Gary had fond memories of attending Christensen and Griffith country schools in Jerauld County, and graduating from Wessington Springs High School in 1954. He was very proud to be a teammate on the undefeated WSHS football team of 1953 and 1954.
Gary enjoyed wearing many hats in his lifetime. He went with his dad on the custom combining route, hauled cattle to market, set bowling pins at the bowling alley in the basement of the present day Sweet Grass building and was a disc jockey with a radio show called The Gary Lin show. He called two games of the 1957 World Series on the radio, attended med tech school, which he finished but never worked in the field, drove a taxi in Minneapolis, worked for the Minneapolis Star Tribune, and also sold sewing machines. Gary managed supper clubs and cocktail bars and eventually became the owner of Dillon Food and Beverage Company in Dillon, CO. In 1974, Gary moved his family to California and started a land-leveling business. This business eventually took them to Arizona. Gary’s final business endeavor was opening group homes for troubled children in Coolidge and Arizona City, AZ.
Gary was married to Nell Krizan in 1958. To this union two daughters were born, Kathy (Tony) Larson and Kim (Doug) Beohler.
Gary married Beverly Hargens on September 2, 1968. He became Dad to two sons, Donald and Mark Hargens. Gary and Bev welcomed a son, Raymond Linafelter in 1970. He was also blessed with a daughter, Vonnie (Chad) Blomberg.
Gary had many interests. He was very social and loved people. Gary loved to play cards, even becoming a professional poker player appearing on the World Series of Poker. He loved to travel, music of all kinds, especially blues, country and gospel. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an accomplished storyteller complete with embellishments. Above all, he cared deeply for his family and he loved the Lord.
Gary is survived by his wife Beverly, his son Raymond, daughters, Kathy, Kim and Vonnie, 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandsons, two daughters-in-law, Debbie Hargens and Teri Hargens. He is also survived by his siblings, Judy (Ralph) Winegar, Monte “Butch” (Sharon) Linafelter, Linda (LeeAllen) Teveldal, Diane Leis and Debbie (Don) Patton. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Preceding Gary in death were his parents, grandparents, his sons Donald and Mark, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Arrangements are with Nurnberg-Basham Funeral Service.
