Orville Gary Doering, age 71, of Cavour, passed away Monday, January 27, 2025, at the Prairie View Care Center at Woonsocket.

View Gary's Funeral Folder

His funeral service was held at 10AM, Saturday, February 1, at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church. Burial followed in the Riverside Cemetery. His service was live-streamed.

Visitation with family present was held from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, Friday, January 31, at the Kuhler Funeral Home. A time of sharing was held at 7:00 PM Friday evening.

Gary was born on March 17, 1953, in Mitchell, SD, to Orville and Evelyn (Hines) Doering. He grew up on the family farm in the S.E. Quarter of Section 6 in Pleasant Valley Township, Aurora County. Gary attended Cudmore School, a one-room schoolhouse in Aurora County, where he completed his first eight years of schooling. In 7th grade, he became the Spelling Bee Champion, a story his grandchildren often heard about. Gary graduated from Wessington Springs High School in 1971.

After graduation, Gary briefly worked on the family farm before joining the Cavour Farmers Co-op in Cavour, SD. He worked there until March 1978, then took a position as Elevator Department Manager at the Yale Farmers Co-op, later becoming the General Manager. In 2004, Gary was honored with the Elevator Manager of the Year award by the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council. He remained passionate about working with local farmers and the agricultural industry throughout his career, despite the many challenges the sector faced. Gary enjoyed the many people he worked with, the comradery, the hard work and the reward of a job well done.

In January 2008, Gary retired for health reasons, though he continued to work part-time for South Dakota Wheat Growers as a Special Projects Manager and for DakotaLand Feeds in Huron, SD. He was appointed by Governor Rounds to the South Dakota State Railroad Board and Railroad Authority, a position he was re-appointed to by Governor Daugaard. Gary served on the East Central Regional Rail Authority and Beadle County Rail Authority.

Gary's love for the outdoors was well-known, especially his passion for hunting, which he shared with his family. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he delighted in attending their activities, often surprising them with special treats. Gary was always willing to help others, and when he could no longer physically do so, he enjoyed sharing Carol Widman's chocolate covered potato chips with the medical personnel who cared for him. He found joy in motorcycle adventures with his nephew, Shannon, and in taking "spins" through the country to check on the fields, often accompanied by a loyal furry companion.

Gary was a member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Huron, and was actively involved with Gideons International and Prison Ministry in Huron.

He is survived by his daughter, Natalie Bilstad (Paul) of Fargo; his son, Gerrad Doering of Woonsocket; his grandchildren, Jack, Andrew, and Kate Bilstad of Fargo; Abby Olinger (Drew) of Woonsocket and Brooke Doering of Sioux Falls; his great-granddaughter, Ivy Olinger; his brother, Dave (JoAnn) of Mitchell; his sisters, Joyce Carmichael (Rick) of Salem and Janice Bich (Doug) of Cavour; his aunt, Maggie Doering of Sioux Falls and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Evelyn Doering; his brothers, Charles and Mike Doering; and three beloved yellow labs: Lucky Jo, Bob, and Max.

View Gary's Floral Arrangements