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Gary Wolbrink Obituary

Gary Arden Wolbrink, 73, passed away under the compassionate care of home hospice due to pulmonary complications of Alpha One Antitrypsin Disorder on December 31, 2023.
Gary was born on May 14, 1950, in Stickney, SD. After graduating with a teaching degree from University of South Dakota - Springfield, he was accepted into Naval Aviation Officer Candidate School and later served in the SD Army National Guard. He became a commercial pilot and started a business, "Charter Flight." He ended his career flying fixed-wing air ambulance for Sanford Hospital until he retired in 2009.
After retirement, he developed a passion flying RC airplanes with his fellow fliers at "Sod Busters" (Sioux Falls) and "Tejas" (TX) flying clubs. He took great pride in sharing his love of flying with his three sons in the family-owned airplane.
Gary appreciated nature and spent time outdoors camping, hunting, and boating. He was a skilled handyman who could fix anything and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Gary enjoyed traveling with Connie, especially their trip to Alaska in their RoadTrek. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the South Dakota American Legion, and the Academy of Model Aeronautics. He touched many lives with his kindness, his dedication to his family, and his generosity in sharing, and teaching his hobbies with others. He cherished every moment he spent with his grandkids and was proud of their achievements.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerrit and Agnes (Nydam) Wolbrink, father-in-law Cornelius Spaans, siblings Arlene and Norman Plooster, Roger Wolbrink, Pat Miller, and brothers-in-law John Wells and Dale Weerheim.
Gary is survived by his wife, Connie (Spaans), sons Michael (Eva) of Colorado Springs, Greg (Tami) of Sioux Falls, Dan (Angela) of Duluth, and seven grandchildren: Jamari, Aliesha, Myles, and Callen of Sioux Falls, and Emilia, Annika, and Elise of Duluth. His siblings include Steve (Diana) Wolbrink, Deb Wells, and mother-in-law Pauline Spaans of Corsica. His in-laws include Loretta Winthers, James Miller, Rich (Janice) Spaans, Jim (Renee) Spaans, Arleen Weerheim, Nancy (Vern) Hill Plankinton, Paul (Dawn), and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation, with family present, will be at First United Methodist Church on Thursday, January 4, 2024, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be on Friday, January 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church with a luncheon to follow. To watch the service live please visit the following website. https://firstchurchsf.online.church/
The link listed below will allow you to watch a video tribute for Gary. https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0nGtnIORG5bZCI
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the following charities:
Feeding South Dakota: https://www.feedingsouthdakota.org/ways-to-give/donate
The Banquet https://thebanquetsf.net/donate/in-memory-of
Alpha-1 Foundation https://alpha1.org/donate/

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Obituary published on Legacy.com by KELOLAND on Jan. 2, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Wolbrink

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Joe Van De Rostyne

February 5, 2024

So sorry to hear of Gary's passing, a fellow pilot told me recently. Will always remember how much Gary helped out the scouts of Troop 10 with labor, use of the family car and trailer and time. Especially the long canoe trip to the Canada wilderness. I always thought of him as a great father and friend. Wishing Carol and " the boys" remember all the happy memories of Gary.

Rick Vander Weide

January 10, 2024

Everyone says the same thing about Gary, “one of the nicest guys I ever knew”. My sentiments are the same. I flew with Gary at the hospital for many years. I always enjoyed his calm demeanor, his passion for aviation and his work ethic. He always spoke proudly of his family. RIP Gary and enjoy heaven with your earthly ailments all fixed.

Ike Isakson

January 4, 2024

Condolences to Connie and Family. Gary could always add some humor that made us chuckle in class. Teaching me to water ski--taking us on our 1st. motorcycle trip--flying us out the Stickney landing strip gave us great memories. Always grateful.

Wayne & Vickie Godlien

January 4, 2024

So sorry for your loss Connie, we send our deepest condolences to you and your family. Gary was a great guy and will be missed by so many. Stay strong, may the love you shared and the memories you made together help to comfort you at this difficult time.

Mark Johnson

January 3, 2024

Gary was a wonderful man and a true gentleman. I was honored to have spent many years flying with Gary during my time flying for the hospital. Gary's life and legacy impacted all who flew along side him. May the good Lord welcome Gary home and comfort his family in his time of passing.
- Mark Johnson.

Patrick Traut

January 3, 2024

We put many miles under our wings together. my condolences to Connie and family.

January 3, 2024

I am heartbroken, Gary was such a remarkable person, and I admired him so much. He inspired me with his courage and curiosity. He explored the world, from the depths, scuba diving, to the heights, with his heroic work as a pilot. I will always remember him fondly, and cherish our time together. He is now at peace in heaven, free from any suffering, my love and prayers go out to all who mourn him.

David Hatt

January 3, 2024

He was always happy to see you at the flying field and always full of advice and guidance. He will surely be missed.

Eileen VanSoest

January 2, 2024

I grew up in Stickney and knew the whole Wolbrink family. Thinking of you and hope your many memories help you through this difficult time.

Linda McBrayer

January 2, 2024

Remember no one ever really dies they live on and I love them thinking of and praying for you all

Rich and Carol A. Olson

January 2, 2024

Connie and family: May God be near you in this time of sorrow. Remembering good times spent with Gary at our DakotaLand Alpha 1 Support Group meetings. May you know God's peace and His comfort in the days ahead. Love, prayers and friendship from your Alpha 1 family

Carol Schilling

January 2, 2024

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Mike Christianson

January 2, 2024

Gary was arguably one of the nicest people on the planet. Grateful for the time I got to spend working and flying with him, one of the greatest. My deepest condolences to the entire Wolbrink family.

Pamela Goldammer

January 2, 2024

Ahhh Gary. You were always one of the brightest smiles in the room. SUCH a kind-hearted Big Brother to Deb. You will be missed so much, by so many, on this earth. Special prayers for Connie, Deb, and Gary's 3 sons. Rest in perfect peace, Gary.

Jim and Connie Lilla

January 2, 2024

Was a pilot with Gary, lots of trips lots of memories. Great guy.

Jan Kreut

January 1, 2024

We met Connie and Gary in Texas in 2014, through a Roadtrek group. They were a sweet couple and we enjoyed visiting with them. Although we didn't see each other often, we kept in touch through Facebook. I am very sorry for your loss, Connie and family. Sending big hugs, Jan

Marcia Kokenge

January 1, 2024

Gary was a wealth of information and helpful suggestions. Always the best neighbor with a smile and wave. RIP Gary. Your smile is imbedded in my heart.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

Memorial Events
for Gary Wolbrink

Jan

4

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

First United Methodist Church

SD

Jan

5

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

First United Methodist Church

SD

Funeral services provided by:

Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Sioux Falls

4800 S Minnesota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57108

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