Greg Ray Kendall

Sioux Falls, SD ~ Greg Ray Kendall, age 72, died on Friday, March 20, 2026 at the Avera Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD, surrounded by his loving family.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Church of St. Mary in Sioux Falls, SD. His family will be present to greet friends for a memorial visitation at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory on Wednesday beginning at 5:00 PM, followed by a Liturgical Wake Service at 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to the family, which will be directed to causes meaningful to him. PLEASE CLICK HERE AT 7 PM ON WEDNESDAY TO VIEW HIS PRAYER SERVICE ONLINE.

Gregory Ray Kendall was born in Storm Lake, IA, to Daniel and Buela (Madsen) Kendall on June 8, 1953. His early years were spent in Fonda, IA, before his family made their home in Laurens, IA. Following his graduation from Laurens High School in 1972, Greg continued his education at the University of South Dakota, where he received his degree in Mass Communications in 1976. Greg became a member of the SAE Fraternity while at USD, where he and his fraternity brothers enjoyed many poker games and shenanigans.

In the summer of 1973, Greg met the love of his life, Judy Hall, in Okoboji, IA. The couple were united in marriage at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford, IA, on August 16, 1975. They spent the first year of their married life in Vermillion, SD, while Greg completed his degree.

After college, he went to work in management with Osco Drug in Aberdeen, SD, for one year before being transferred to Moorhead, MN. They eventually made their home in Sioux Falls, SD, in 1978. Greg and Judy’s firstborn, Chris, was born in 1979, and their daughter, Maggie, in 1982. Greg took great pride in becoming a father.

Greg started working with Creamette Pasta as a sales rep in 1981 and advanced to district manager, covering Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota. He missed not being home for his children’s activities as they grew, and after studying for his Series Seven license, he began working at IDS as an investment advisor in the mid-90s. In 1998, Greg joined Dave Monkelien and Tim Hudson, forming HMK Financial. He enjoyed helping his clients work toward their financial goals. Greg retired in June 2023.

Greg’s biggest joy was watching his children and grandchildren in their sporting events and activities. Greg relished the opportunity to be the cheering dad or grandpa in the stands and maybe give a little shout-out to the refs and umpires here and there!

Greg had a heart for helping others. He volunteered his time to both the Lincoln High School and O’Gorman High School golf programs from 1999 to 2015. In 2010, Greg was nominated by fellow coach and friend Rod Garrison for the South Dakota High School Coaches’ Association Distinguished Service Award. Greg was very honored to receive this award, as it is given to individuals for their outstanding contributions to high school athletics and dedication to young athletes in our state. Greg served as a past president of the Sioux Falls Men’s Golf Association, coached youth Y-Basketball and ABA Basketball, and spent time serving on the Heartland House Advisory Council. He also spent countless hours fundraising to help develop the Holiday of Lights at Yankton Trail Park.

Greg was an avid golfer himself and loved competition. Some of Greg’s proudest golf moments were when he and Judy won the SD State Husband and Wife Golf Tournament in 2005. Greg qualified for the USGA Senior Amateur in 2008, giving him the opportunity to play at Shady Oaks Country Club in Ft. Worth, TX, with Maggie carrying his bag. Greg also won the SD State Senior Tournament in 2010 and was the SD State Senior Two-Man runner-up in 2012.

Greg also enjoyed fishing with Chris, the grandkids, and many friends at their home at Lake Thompson, SD. He was very proud of his lake home and could often be found tinkering in the garage. Greg was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who will be deeply missed.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Judy; two children, Chris (Kathryn) Kendall and Maggie (Nate) Blaylock; six grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Daniel, and Maddy Kendall, and Jax, Kendall, and Jonah Blaylock; sister, Pam (Pat) Gulbranson; sister-in-law, Connie Kendall; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Buela Kendall, and one brother, David C. Kendall.

The family is deeply grateful to Dr. Heidi McKean, April Schneider, CNP, Dr. Ben Solomon, and Dr. Kyle Arneson, as well as the entire team at Avera Prairie Center and the compassionate caregivers at the Avera Dougherty Hospice House for the comfort, dignity, and kindness they provided.