A celebration of life for 71-year old Gary Sims of Maynard, MN, will be held on Friday, June 23, from 5-8:00 at the Maynard Event Center.
A private interment will be later at Pine Lawn Cemetery in Rapid City, SD.
Online condolences may be left at www.petersonbrothers.com
Gary E Sims was born to Darroyl and Margaret “Margie” Sims on December 24, 1951, in Hot Springs, SD. He passed away on June 9, 2023, surrounded by family and friends at the Vista Prairie at Copperleaf in Willmar, MN
Gary was a talented athlete who loved playing, coaching and watching a variety of sports. He attended Chadron State College in Chadron, NE, where he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree. He went on to study at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, where he earned his Master’s Degree.
Gary met Gloria early in his educator career while working in White River, SD. They were married on June 17, 1977, and were blessed with 3 children – Autumn, Sunder, London – as well as grandchild Kolten.
Gary was a great provider for his family and enjoyed reading to his grandson and taking him to his 1st baseball game at the MN Twins stadium.
Gary started with the Maynard Public School System in 1986 as the principal. During the MACCRAY consolidation, he became the High School Principal and later the Junior High Principal. He had dedicated 30 years to the school system upon his retirement.
Gary was well known amongst his students and peers for his love for Coca-Cola, his amazing card collection, and his love for the NY Yankees and Indianapolis Colts.
He could often be found in the hallway, lunchroom, or gym shooting hoops with the students. He took great pride in always knowing the names of every single one of his students.
Gary is survived by his wife, Gloria Deutsch Sims; two daughters, Autumn of Walpole, MA, and London of Cincinnati, OH; and grandson Kolten, Walpole, MA, besides other relatives and many friends.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents Darroyl and Margie Sims; his sister Linda; and son Sunder.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar, MN.