Gary M. Welch

Gary M. Welch age 65 of Buffalo, died Friday August 16th, 2013 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital, surrounded by his loving wife and family. A memorial service will be held 11am Wednesday, August 21st, 2013 at the Buffalo Rec Center, in Buffalo, SD. Pastor Tom Martin will officiate the service. There will be no visitation. Inurnment will take place in the Limpert Family Cemetery, near Buffalo. Memorials are preferred to the Buffalo Ambulance. Gary Melvin Welch was born September 10, 1947 in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. He was the son of Walter and Elva (Giannonatti) Welch. Gary grew up in Camp Crook his first three years, but because of his father’s illness, he moved into Buffalo in 1950. Gary attended school in Ludlow, Buffalo, and Bison and he’s been a rancher most of his life. On May 14, 1973 he was united in marriage to Celia Bickerdyke in Newcastle, Wyoming. Following their marriage they ranched near Capitol, Montana. In 1975 they moved to Buffalo and from 1979 to 1985, Gary managed the Paul Mann Ranch located south of Buffalo. For the next 5 years, Gary worked at the Bert Lei Ranch and in 1990 Gary and Celia moved to Spearfish where Gary worked for Savage Trucking, hauling coal. He also worked 5 years at Premiere Bank. Since 2008 Gary and Celia have lived and worked at the Limpert Ranch. Gary will be remembered for his talent at training and driving team horses, as well as his excellent workmanship with leather, making harnesses, bridles, and more. Gary had a great sense of humor. He loved to pull jokes on people until they’d be all worked up. He also enjoyed visiting on the phone, and making birthday calls to all his friends and family. Gary is survived by his wife, Celia of Buffalo; sister, Fay (Patrick) Coffield of Spearfish; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Margy Davis and Kay Limpert-Scherr. Date of Birth September 10, 1947 Belle Fourche, South Dakota Date of Death August 16, 2013 Rapid City, South Dakota Memorial Service 11:00 A.M. – Wednesday – August 21st, 2013 Buffalo Rec. Center Buffalo, South Dakota Officiant Pastor Tom Martin Special Music The Holsti Sisters “The Old Rugged Cross”, “How Great Thou Art” “Strawberry Roan” Honorary Pallbearers George Davis                                                     Sandy Limpert Albert Limpert                                                      Justin Lyons Mark Limpert                                                        Terry Lyons Inurnment Limpert Family Cemetery Harding County,  South Dakota