Garry Jay Sogge was born on March 3, 1950, in Mobridge, South Dakota, to Theodore and Leota (Clevenger) Sogge. Along with his sister and brothers, he lived in his early years in the Mobridge area. At the age of 10, his family moved to the Flying S ranch in Fairburn, a place that will be forever home for all generations.
On March 4, 1968, Garry married Lynn Bolton, beginning a lifelong partnership of more than five decades. In 1972, they built a home in Rapid City, where they raised their family until moving to Eastridge outside Black Hawk in 1990.
Family was Garry’s greatest joy. Together with his wife, Lynn, he raised three children — Cristy, Kendra, and Anthony and a bonus son Randall — and his legacy continued to grow through grandchildren and great-grandchildren who adored him. He held a steadfast belief that family was the foundation of a meaningful life — extending beyond the immediate household to include nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and all those bound by love. He welcomed anyone in need of family, embracing them as his own. To him, true wealth was not measured in possessions, but in the richness of family.
Garry spent most of his career as a machinist, known for his skill and precision. He worked tirelessly for others during the day and in his garage at night until opening his own shop in Box Elder. Though he took great pride in his trade, retirement finally allowed him the chance to focus on what brought him the most joy—ranching and caring for his animals.
Garry was a man of many passions. Throughout his life, he found companionship and joy in raising malamutes. Animals were always a part of Garry’s life. He loved them all, from the few cattle he raised, to his horses, to the chickens and pigs he tended over the years.
He had a deep appreciation for firearms, not only as a hobby but as an art — collecting, reloading, and honing his marksmanship with exceptional skill. His love for guns extended into craftsmanship; he practiced leatherwork, creating custom holsters, and added intricate details to his firearms, such as checkering or incorporating unique touches, including a piece of walnut wood from the family ranch into the stock of his father’s gun. His dedication to shooting was matched only by his love of learning. In his spare time, he devoured countless books, immersing himself in history, and could recall fascinating details and stories with remarkable clarity. His interests reflected a lifelong curiosity and a commitment to mastery that inspired those around him.
Garry is survived by his wife, Lynn; his children, Cristy Amos (Mike) of Leesburg VA, Kendra Storm (Pat) of Summerset SD, Anthony Sogge of Black Hawk SD and Randall Starkweather of Rapid City; grandchildren, Brittany Olson (Stephen), Ryan Olson (Alexia), Madison Olson, Ben Storm, Ellie Storm, Johannah Storm, Courtney Ramirez, and Shannon Amos; and great-grandchildren, Jackson, Elliotte, Lennix, Cyrus, Grady and Amelia. He is also survived by his brothers, Leo Sogge, Fairburn SD and Randy Sogge (Peggy), Hill City, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Gail Reed, and his son-in-law, Darin Olson.
Services will be held Wednesday, October 1, at 10:00 a.m. at the Fairburn Church in Fairburn, South Dakota.
Garry welcomed all — family, friends, animals, and the land he loved. His life was guided by love, hard work, and passion. Now he rests where pastures never end, his legacy carried forward in the hearts of those he cherished.
Psalm 128:3-4
“Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Indeed, this will be the blessing for the man who fears the Lord.”