Gary Lee Quam, 72, of Brandon, formerly of Brookings, died Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in Sioux Falls surrounded by family due to complications from COPD.
Memorial services are at 10:30 am Friday at Rude’s Funeral Home in Brookings. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Gary Lee Quam was born Feb. 8, 1945, in Arlington to Art and Doris (Roso) Quam. He grew up Sinai and he graduated from high school in Brookings in 1963. He graduated from Nettleton Commercial College in 1964. In 1965, he enlisted in the Navy and served on the USS Guadalcanal and was honorably discharged three years later. He married Dianne Trankel in 1970 and together they had two sons, Ryan and Travis. He lived and worked in Brookings as production manager at The Brookings Register, Coast to Coast Print Shop, and Brookings Engraving. He and his long-time significant other and spousal equivalent, Nancy Skyberg lived in Sinai and Brookings and cheered on the Minnesota Vikings and Twins together with their dog Annie until Nancy’s untimely death in 2011.
He was known for his quick wit and sense of humor. His pastimes included fishing, television, playing guitar, and was a life-long techie; asking Alexa for a joke was his latest favorite skill. He spent the last six years in Brandon at Helping Hand Assisted Living, enjoying Netflix and Vikings games from the comfort of his recliner.
Survivors include his two sons, Ryan (Wendy) Quam of Sioux Falls and Travis (Megan) Quam, and of Medford, Ore.; four grandchildren; two nephews and a niece and numerous cousins.
He was preceded in death by sister Judith (Johnson) and spousal equivalent Nancy Skyberg, and nephew Brad Johnson.
Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.
