We celebrate the life of Gerry Wingler, who on October 23rd, 2026 joined our Lord and Savior in heaven. A grand homecoming after a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. He was given 4 months to live yet defied all odds these last 3 years. This he attributed fully to the miracle working power of the Lord and the fervent prayers of all the prayer warriors. Gerry leaned solely on the Lord for all his needs as he journeyed through this time. His rock solid faith never wavered as he worshipped through the good times and through his suffering. His parting words to his family were, “Trust God.”

Gerry was born December 17th, 1954 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Harold and Lois Wingler. The family moved to Sioux Falls in 1958. In high school he met the love of his life, Susie. After their first date he told his friends he was going to marry her and he did just that. They just celebrated their 50th anniversary in August.

Their family expanded with the birth of their two daughters, Stacy and Jennifer, making him a proud, loving father and husband. Gerry’s love for his “girls” was unmatched. He provided the deep unconditional love of Christ to his family that spilled out in care, protection, guidance, wisdom, and devotion.

He loved spending time with family and building memories, especially at Lake Okoboji and “the farm”. Gerry had such a passion for the outdoors and God’s creation which he shared with his nephew, Austin, who was like a son to him. One of his favorite places to spend time was Bachelor Creek Reserve, which he established in 2023.

Gerry’s business career started right after high school when he began working at his family’s business, Wingler’s Furniture and Auction. Several years later he joined Susie’s family business, Shipley’s Laundry & Dry Cleaners, where he and Susie worked side by side for the last 43 years. Christ was the cornerstone of how he operated in business – always with integrity. You could not separate the Lord from all that Gerry put his hands to. It was who he was and it was evident in all he did. Gerry had a great love and loyalty to this city and community and wanted to serve it well.

In his spare time he enjoyed hosting family and friends, and he always used that as an opportunity to perfect his grilling and meat-smoking skills. At every gathering with Gerry you could count on good conversation and lots of laughs due to his quick-witted sense of humor.

Grateful for having shared his life are: his wife of 50 years, Susie. His daughters: Stacy (Greg) Kleinhans and Jennifer (Elijah) Pellatz. Grandsons: Kaden (Josie) Kleinhans and Mateo Kleinhans. Siblings: Dale (Cathy) Wingler; twin brother Terry (Karen) Wingler; Debbie (Byron) Johnson. Also blessed to have shared his life are many nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and his faithful dog, Oliver.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Direct Line Prayer Center, a prayer ministry that Gerry and Susie co-founded in 2008 and is near and dear to their hearts. Its mission is to reveal God’s transforming love and power through prayer to the city and beyond…”Taking the issues of life to the Giver of life.”

A service celebrating Gerry’s life will be held on Friday, October 30th, 2026 at Central Church (3102 West Ralph Rogers Road).

11:00 AM - Celebration of life service

A visitation with family present will be held prior to the service beginning at 10:00 AM.