David John Gaspar

David John Gaspar, age 74, of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away Friday, December 12, 2025, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, surrounded by his family following an admirable and courageous fight with multiple myeloma. A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service and time of sharing at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory, 3408 E 10th St, Sioux Falls 57103. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at St. Mary Church, 2109 S 5th Ave, Sioux Falls 57105. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Hills of Rest Memorial Park.

David John Gaspar, son of Harold “Jake” and Carmel (McIlvenna) Gaspar was born May 16, 1951, in Sioux Falls, SD. He was raised on the east side of Sioux Falls, attending Little Flower and graduating from O’Gorman High School in 1969. He was proud to be a lifelong resident of Sioux Falls. As the oldest of eleven siblings, he assumed responsibilities beyond his years, helping to care for and support his family—a role that shaped his lifelong dedication to others. He started his career managing M&H at age 16, proudly serving burgers for 15 cents each. In adulthood, he worked for Carlson Distributing, driving a beer truck, and managing sales. He could tell you how many cases he sold to various events and cities, and how many ounces are in keg. He then went to work for Sodak Distributing as a liquor salesman, traveling throughout the state, visiting every bar in South Dakota. He briefly traded commodities at Pederson commodities. He then entered business partnerships, owning and operating several video lottery casinos, as well as a managing partner at Dakota Prairie Holidays hunting lodge in White Lake, SD, which became the final chapter of his professional career and a role deeply enjoyed. Throughout his career he developed and enriched the people he worked with and the relationships that he formed.

Dave married Judy Kay Knudson on October 25, 1986 in Sioux Falls, SD. They were married for 39 years and together for over 45 years. They had two sons, Dustin in 1987 and Andrew in 1989. He was proud of his family, always at the center of his life. He took great pride in coaching and encouraging his boys in every sport they pursued as well as taking them out to enjoy the great outdoors. His greatest joy was spending time with and teaching his grandchildren, Trigg, Dravlin, Grace, Calvin and Conrad. Papa Dave's grandchildren brought him immense happiness and time with them was among his greatest blessings.

Dave grew up active in sports with the neighborhood kids and his siblings. They could often be found fishing at the Falls or playing ball at Nelson Field. He later enjoyed success on the fastpitch softball field. He had an incredible ability to recall events, moments and people from his life in vivid detail and he shared those stories time and again with whoever would listen. Before kids, Dave and Judy enjoyed time skiing in the winters and fishing the Missouri river in the summers. He had a passion for the outdoors being a lifelong hunter and fisherman. He never missed a pheasant opener or fishing trip. A tradition that he passed down and was proud to share with his boys. Later in life, he treasured his time hunting pheasants and spending time with his friends at “The Lodge”. He loved fishing and “guiding” at Carroll Lake Lodge in Ontario, Canada. He enjoyed a round of golf, not just for the game itself, but for the time it gave him to be with friends. A good card game was hard to resist, so whether it was pitch at the country club with lifelong friends or poker with the guys, he could often be found at a card table several nights a week. He frequently spoke of how grateful and proud he was of the friendships he built over a lifetime. He never met a stranger and had a natural way of connecting with everyone he encountered. Above all, he valued relationships and found purpose in helping others. He proudly served on the Board of Sioux Falls Cares and consistently gave his time to support those in need. In both sports and life, he had a soft spot for the underdog and was always quick to offer encouragement and support. He was a Mr. Reliable kind of guy, someone you could always count on to help and get things done.

Grateful for having shared his life are wife, Judy of Sioux Falls, SD; his children, Dustin (Laura) Gaspar of Sioux Falls, SD and Andrew Gaspar of Sioux Falls, SD. He was blessed with 5 grandchildren, Trigg and Dravlin Gaspar; Grace, Calvin and Conrad Gaspar. Siblings left to mourn his passing include brothers: Jim (Kathi), John (Anita) and Micha; sisters: Patty (Rick) Schlimgen, Joanie (Ward) Taylor, Loretta McCoy (Tom Breen); brothers-in-law: Mike Winklepleck; Jerry Knudson of Salem; sisters-in-law: Wendy (Ron) Knudson-Folena of Merritt Island, FL and Barbara (Doug) Long of Winner; SD; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Dan, Don and Paul, sister Mary Winklepleck, and sister-in-law Donna Gaspar.

The family would like to thank the staff and medical care teams at the Avera Prairie Center, Avera Mckennan Hospital, Avera Therapy & Rehabilitation, Avera Prince of Peace and Dougherty Hospice Houses. He cherished laughing alongside them, finding ways to brighten their day and forming friendships throughout his 2-year journey of medical complications. He was greatly appreciative of all the kindness and compassion they showed throughout his care.

Dave was proud to be sober for over 27 years. In lieu of flowers please direct memorial contributions to Tallgrass Recovery & Sober Living Homes, Dougherty House, or your favorite charity.