Gary Michael Van Vleet, 72, of Redfield, SD, passed away at Sioux Falls Avera McKennan Hospital on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Gary has been cremated. Visitation will be on Thursday, June 18, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM. The funeral service will start at 10:30 AM at the Redfield Methodist Church with Pastor Melissa Rowenhorst officiating. Lunch and fellowship will follow in the church hall. Burial will be at a later date at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Frankfort, SD. Hyke Funeral Home of Redfield has been entrusted with arrangements. (www.hykefueneralhome.com)

Gary Van Vleet was born April 15, 1954, to Clifford and Marilyn (Galvin) Van Vleet in Redfield, the oldest of six boys. He was raised on the family farm, where he was active in 4-H and working on the farm. During those years, his love for muscle cars was often expressed when he hit the town on Saturday nights with the headers off. However, his activities could be effectively curbed by the Cranberry Base on the CB radio. In high school, he was involved in FFA and wrestling. He graduated high school in 1972. Gary attended South Dakota State University and graduated with an animal science production degree in 1976. During his time there, he was an active member of Alpha Gamma Rho and was involved with dying the wood chips green for the Little I Livestock Exposition. Later, in 1988, he received his commodity broker’s license for National Commodity Futures.

Gary married Linda Marie Meisel on June 15, 1979, and to this union, three daughters were born. The girls were their Triple A’s: Ashlee, Alandra, and Alyssa. Gary loved his grandchildren, always giving them fake names and giving their wrong age, or purposely counting too many toes. His sense of humor was like no other. He enjoyed giving Ranger rides or Harley rides whenever Holden, Emma, Madeleine, and Lyric were all home. Gary also had grandpuppies that he also gave nicknames. He was secretly a dog whisperer and formed very close bonds with all of the dogs.

Gary was an avid Harley rider, usually attending Friday night rides during the summer. He made it a goal to ride his Harley at least once a month every month, even if it was just around the block in -20 temperatures. He and Linda attended several rallies together; and after her passing, he continued the tradition, going the last weekend of the rally to get his t-shirt, hat, and pin. His riding style will be missed.

Gary worked for Farmland from 1976 to 1978 and erected grain bins. He then returned to the family farm and farmed until moving into Redfield. He was steadfast in his work ethic. He dedicated 22 years to Redfield Investments for commodity brokerage. His love for numbers never wavered. After leaving Redfield Investments, farmers continued trusting him regarding markets and prices. He also worked at SDDC, Redfield Energy, and Carr Construction. Gary took pride in having his CDL, placing him as a member of the trucking industry. He was able to handle trucks and trailers with finesse and precision. With his big heart, Gary continued his generosity of giving by helping friends and family whenever they called. He was able to extend giving even after his passing by sharing the gift of life through organ and tissue donation.

Gary is survived by daughter, Ashlee (Derek) Struble and grandchildren Holden John and Madeleine Rose of Boise, ID; daughter, Alandra Harrelson and grandchildren Emma Marie and Lyric Elizabeth of Aberdeen, SD; daughter Alyssa Van Vleet of Fargo, ND; brothers: Rick (Pat) Van Vleet of Huron, SD, Kurt Van Vleet of Redfield, and Greg (Darla) Van Vleet of Bismarck, ND; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Edna Meisel of Moorhead, MN; sister-in-law, Barb (Claude) Ablen of Redfield; brother-in-law, Ron Meisel of Rapid City, SD; German foreign exchange students, Floor Rahjes and Tom Ebberink; and dear friends, Mike and Betty Brink.

He was preceded in death by his father, Cliff Van Vleet; mother, Marilyn Van Vleet; wife, Linda Van Vleet; son-in-law, Dustin Harrelson; brothers, Steve and Tim Van Vleet; sister-in-law, Cheryl “George” Klebsch; and father-in-law, Bill Meisel.

Gary’s quick smile, punctuated by a toothpick, will be warmly remembered by many of those who met him.