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MARSHALL--Gary Smidt, age 80, of Marshall, Minnesota, died under the care of Hospice on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at his home. Memorial Services are 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 12, 2026, at First Lutheran Church in Marshall, Minnesota. Interment with military honors will follow in the Marshall Cemetery. A reception for attendees will then be held back in the church. Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, September 11, 2026, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall. Visitation will continue one hour prior to his celebration, from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. on Friday, at the church. Livestream link and an online guestbook are available at www.hamiltonfh.com.
Gary Alvin Smidt was born on November 14, 1945, in Pipestone, Minnesota. He was the son of Russell and Dorothy (Brockberg) Smidt. Gary was baptized as an infant in Trosky, Minnesota, and was later confirmed in his youth at the Trosky Lutheran Church. Gary grew up in Pipestone, Minnesota, and graduated there with the class of 1964. Gary went on to serve his country in the United States National Guard.
Gary met Ms. Rita Butman in 1964 at the Pipestone roller rink. The couple was united in marriage on September 16, 1967, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pipestone. They made their home in Marshall where they raised their family and spent the next 59 years together. Gary was a lifelong plumber - working first in Pipestone and then Marshall before branching out on his own. Gary was part of Central Plumbing & Heating and then owned and operated Gary's Plumbing & Heating. He truly loved his work and never really retired. Gary also helped his wife as they owned the Dairy Queen for over 32 years.
Gary was a past commander of the Marshall American Legion and incredibly proud to serve with the Marshall Fire Department for over 22 years, some of which he spent as Assistant Chief, among other positions. Gary also sat on several state Fire Department Boards, including the MN Chiefs Board and the VFBA. Gary dedicated many years teaching fire safety and enjoyed going to local schools. He also enjoyed being the gambling manager at the Eagle's Club. His other passions were spending time with and caring for his family, hunting, fishing, and watching sports - especially the Vikings, Gophers and Lynx, as well as NASCAR and golf. Over the years he diligently watched over his community - both from his pickup and his recliner. The neighborhood watchman has retired!
After a brave 5-year battle with cancer, Gary Smidt died peacefully on September 2, 2026, at his home in Marshall, Minnesota. He reached the age of 80 years, 9 months, and 19 days. Blessed be his memory.
He is survived by his loving wife, Rita Smidt of Marshall; children, Jeff Smidt of Marshall, Michele Smidt Gregoire (Tony Lesiew); 4 grandchildren, Lucas (and Katie) Smidt, Hunter Smidt (and McKayla Mooney), Caiden Smidt, Quincy Lesiew; 2 great-grandchildren, Madden Carter Smidt, Kenna Jo Smidt; siblings, Ron (and Teddy) Smidt of Madison, SD, Craig Smidt of Bullhead City, AZ; brothers and sisters-in-law, Mark (and Debbie) Butman of Westminster, CO, Deb (and Clark) Butman-Perkins of Arlington, SD; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Russ & Dorothy Smidt; parents-in-law, Kenneth & Bev Butman; brother and sister-in-law, Steve & Brenda Butman; grandparents; and other relatives.
Gary will be remembered as a stubborn German in the best way - strong willed, determined, and devoted to his family and friends. He leaves them with a legacy of strength, perseverance, honesty, humor, and love. These great gifts will live on in the family he leaves behind, who will carry his tenacity and the lessons he taught them in their hearts forever.
Arrangements by
Hamilton Funeral Home
Marshall, Minnesota. 507-532-2933
www.hamiltonfh.com