Gary Fessler

Dates

Obituary

Gary Fessler, 62, of Mitchell, SD, died peacefully Thursday, April 30, 2026, at his home. Visitation will be Saturday, May 16, from 1-3:00 PM at Bittner Funeral Chapel with a 2:30 PM prayer service.

Gary Dean Fessler was born on April 3, 1964, to Morris and Darlene (Kott) Fessler in Mitchell, SD. He grew up on a farm near Plano Road, where he developed a lifelong passion for farming. Over the years he worked in many areas of the trade – from building grain bins to running his own mechanic and garage door business and supporting farmers throughout the community. In his later years, he worked at CHS in Mitchell where he continued doing what he loved. Gary took pride in hard work and carried that dedication with him throughout his life.

Gary had a remarkable gift for understanding how things worked, he could analyze, repair, modify or build something entirely new with ease. In many ways he was an engineer without the title and those who knew him often encouraged him to share his knowledge, knowing how much others could learn from his insight and skill.

Gary and Vicki shared a love that spanned 27 years, one built on unwavering companionship and a life fully lived side by side. Vicki was not just his partner, but his best friend, his constant and the love of his life. Gary found his greatest fulfillment in his family. He was a proud and devoted father to his daughter, Stephanie, and a loving stepfather to Andy and Ashley. His love and pride for them was unending and they remained the center of his life and his greatest source of joy.

Gary loved the outdoors and found it difficult to be boxed inside. Whether it was pheasant hunting, fishing, riding his motorcycles, driving his race car or a tractor, that’s where he felt the freedom he loved.

Gary was a deeply compassionate, sincere, and caring person. He consistently placed others’ needs before his own and offered his time, energy, and support without hesitation.

Gary is survived by his true love, Vicki (Buecksler) Fessler; daughter, Stephanie (Tim) Brison of Lake Havasu City, AZ; stepchildren, Andy (LeeAnn Roessler) Brinkman of Centennial, CO and Ashley (John Dooley) Carrison of Tea, SD; siblings, Perry (Dixie) Fessler of Mitchell, David (Diane) Fessler of Mitchell, Rhonda Schleich of Sioux Falls, Ron Fessler of Onida, SD, Lisa (Jim) Friedt of Aberdeen, and Cheryl (Jim Puetz) Fessler of Brandon; sisters-in-law, Sheryl (Jim) Moeller and Diana (Thomas) Torgerson; aunts, Linda Kuder and Lorraine Knutson; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; mother & father-in-law, Joyce and Victor Buecksler; his paternal and maternal grandparents; and uncles, Donnie Kuder and Marlin Knutson.

On behalf of our family, we want to express our gratitude for all the support, kindness, and love we have received. May the memories of love and laughter live on in our hearts for all who knew and loved him.

Visitation(s)