Gary DeJong, age 74, Wickenburg, Ariz. , died on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at the Palm Valley Care Center in Goodyear, Ariz.
Gary R. DeJong was born Feb. 26, 1944, in Dupree, South Dakota, the third of four children born to Leo and Thelma (Parkin) DeJong. While Gary was a young boy, the family moved to a ranch south of Kennebec, South Dakota. This is where he grew up and graduated from Kennebec High School in 1962.
He was united in marriage to Betty Manger on February 22, 1963. To this union were born two sons: Lou and Travis.
Gary spent a good portion of his life breaking, training, and showing horses for numerous people. Many years were spent in the saddle and in the arena. Raising, training, and competing with good horses was the focus for most of his life.
Gary always enjoyed singing or playing music and the fellowship of good friends.
He moved from South Dakota to Arizona in the later years of his life where he lived until Jesus called him home.
Gary is survived by his two sons: Lou (Barb) DeJong of Kennebec, South Dakota and their children Dillon and Bailey; Travis (Pamela) DeJong of Philip, South Dakota and their children Tawnie, Trey, Tate, Peyton and Trew; sisters: Luella DeJong of Winner, South Dakota, and Andella Leavitt of Wickenburg, Arizona; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother Claire.
There will be a private family burial at a later date in the Winner Cemetery in Winner, South Dakota.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.
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