Gary Willmes 74 of Rapid City died Tuesday January 5, 2021 at Mountain Vista Medical Center in Mesa, AZ.

Visitation will be 5:00pm-7:00pm Wednesday January 13, 2021 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. A funeral service will be 4:00pm Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Peace Lutheran Church in Rapid City, with Rev. David J. Lindenberg officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Gary was born on January 9,1946 in Roseland, NE to Vincent and Rose (Schmitz) Willmes. His father died in 1954 and two years later his mother married Gary Mousel. Gary raised Gary as his son while living on the family farm near Roseland. He graduated from Roseland High School in 1964.

Gary enlisted in the Navy after high school and served six years at duty stations in Florida, South Carolina, Philippines, Japan, and Vietnam. After his discharge from the Navy he moved to Hastings, NE and began a career in finance and banking with companies now known as Wells Fargo Bank.

In 1971 Gary was united in marriage to Barbara Loskill, in 1986 they, along with their three children moved to Rapid City due to a transfer with Wells Fargo. He remained with Wells Fargo until 1997 when he took a position with Great Western Bank until his retirement in 2015.

In 1999 Gary married Kathy Goodrich. They enjoyed dancing, camping, playing pickle ball, tennis and spending four months of the winter in Mesa, AZ. He enjoyed his children and being a grandpa to all his grandchildren and step grandchildren. He was thankful that all five children and seven grandchildren lived in Rapid City.

Gary is survived by his wife Kathy, daughter; Angie (Jeff) Berzina, and their children Jake, Brandon, and Nate, sons; Jason (Kitra) Willmes, and their daughter Emma, Chad Willmes, and his daughter Anya, as well as Kathy's daughter and son; Tina (Dave) Dockter, and their children Stephanie and Dalton, and Todd (Mandy) Goodrich all of Rapid City, sisters; Linda (Dick) Mangers, Jane (Gary) Wyeno of Hastings, NE.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents Vincent and Rose Willmes and his stepfather Gary Mousel.

Gary was always a happy & positive man. His face lit up when the whole family gathered in his house to share a meal or to celebrate a special occasion. He was so proud of his family & loved making memories with them. He rarely said no to anything. He was quirky, fun, selfless & humble. He believed everyone had good intentions & never said a bad word about anyone. His passing will leave a big hole in our hearts, but we will cherish all of our special memories.

Memorials in Gary's name can be sent to Canyon Lake Activities Center, 2900 Canyon Lake Drive in Rapid City, SD 57702.