GARY LOUKOTA

Gary Wayne Loukota, 75, of Springfield left this earthly world while surrounded by his family at his home in Springfield. He joined his Heavenly Father Friday, June 21, 2024. A Celebration of Gary’s Life will be Friday, June 28 at 2:00 p.m. at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield. Inurnment will be at a later date in the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls. Visitation will be at the church Thursday from 5-7 p.m. Peters Funeral Chapel of Springfield is in charge of arrangements. Gary was born August 1, 1948 to Jerald and Janice (Wilkey) Loukota in Lynch, NE. He joined an older brother, Allen. The family grew to include three more brothers: Douglas, Rick, and Theodore “Ted”. As a child, the family moved often around NE, WY, ND, and SD for Jerald’s work. He graduated from Lake Andes High School. Gary enlisted in the US Air Force Feb. 17, 1967. He served in the Vietnam War as an Aircraft Radio Repairman. He also served in the Drum and Bugle Corp during this time. Gary was discharged on Feb. 16, 1971. Gary married the love of his life, Sharman Gross May 13, 1971 in Chamberlain. They moved to Kremmling, CO where he worked in the Molybdenum Mines. They later moved to Granby, CO where Gary began his career working in telecommunications. They moved to Wisner, NE in 1972 where they began their family including three children: Shawn, Clint and Monica. In 1978, they moved their young family to Springfield, where they continued to reside. Gary stayed with the telephone company throughout many transitions, providing a nice life for his family. He was involved in many activities in the community. As a long-time member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Gary served on the church council, and many committees, AAL, and Thrivent. He participated in the Springfield Chamber, Jaycee’s, City Council, Springfield Fire Department, the American Legion, VFW, DAV, Jaycee’s Basketball, City League Softball, and Duffers Golf League. Gary is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sharman; three children: Shawn (Tony) Radack of Yankton, Clint (Susan) Loukota of Springfield, and Monica Garcia (Scott Wacker) of Norfolk, NE; grandchildren: Shelby Radack, Austin Radack, Courtney Loukota, Dominic Hunt, Ava Loukota and Skylar Garcia; brothers Rick (Tresa) Loukota of Page, AZ and Ted (Robin) Loukota of Mesa, AZ; sister-in-law Felicia Loukota of Phoenix, AZ; in-laws: Sheldon (Kathy) Gross of Sioux Falls, Andrea (Tom) Schmidt of Chamberlain, and Sherwood (Rhonda) Gross of Brandon; many nieces, nephews, and friends. Gary was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in law; and brothers Allen and Doug Loukota.