Gary's service will be live streamed through Grace Lutheran Church in Burke under Grace Lutheran Burke .  Social distancing practices will be in place.

Gerald (Gary) Skalla was born June 19, 1953 in Gregory, South Dakota to Lester and Vera (King) Skalla. He passed away August 30, 2020 at the Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Gary grew up on the family farm North of Bonesteel and attended school in Bonesteel graduating with the Class of 1971. Gary played basketball for the Tigers and developed a great passion for the game. After graduation, Gary attended the South Dakota Barber College in Sioux Falls graduating in August 1972. The week following his graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Donna Schochenmaier, on August 26, 1972 in Fairfax, South Dakota. Gary barbered in Gregory for a short time before purchasing the Burke Barber Shop from Mick Ward. He barbered for 30 years in Burke, until Gary and Donna purchased the shuttle service from Chad Stevicks in 2003. For the next 17 years, Gary was "The Silver Fox." During this time, Gary took great pride in his business and many wonderful friendships were made along the miles he traveled.

Gary was "Dad" to Emily, Brad and Jeff. He loved them unconditionally and was so proud to be their dad. The Barber Shop "Closed" sign was often in the window after 3:00. This was his time to be "Coach" and the #1 Fan for his kids. He believed that hard work and dedication were very important. If you gave it everything you had, then that was a victory. In 1995, he became a grandpa and he discovered a new kind of love. Seven more grandchildren followed, and his pride and joy in those grandkids were beyond words. His granddaughters showed him that the magic of music was as awesome as sports. The last few years limited Gary to what he could do. He regretted he couldn't always attend all the activities of the grandkids, but wanted to hear every detail that happened.

Gary leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Donna. His daughter, Emily (Clinton) Benter, his sons Brad (Heather) and Jeff Skalla. Eight grandchildren, Sydney (Grady), Haley and Reed Benter, Sophee, Beckett, Maverick Skalla, Drayke Peters, and Kashe Skalla. He is also survived by his sister, Kathy Payne and his brother Dan Skalla, brother and sister-in-law Marvin and Caroline Schochenmaier, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Gary was preceded in death by his parents Lester and Vera Skalla, his father and mother-in-law Hank and Amanda Schochenmaier, his brother-in-law Gerry Payne, and his grandparents Louis and Mary Skalla. Gary always said, "Life goes on." We will do our best. Fly high and pain free. We love you and miss you.