Gary Andersen, 79, of Spearfish, passed away on June 1, 2023, in Fort Myers, Florida. Gary was born January 19, 1944, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to George and Mildred Andersen. The family later returned to Presho where he attended school and graduated in 1962 from Presho High School. Gary learned a strong work ethic while working on the family farm and his parent's propane business in Presho.

Gary attended Augustana University, later transferring to Black Hills State University where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration. In 1964 while attending BHSU he met the love of his life Sharon Linander. They were joined in marriage in Spearfish on June 11, 1967. Gary and Sharon moved to Rapid City, SD, where they lived and worked for a short period of time. In 1971 they returned to Spearfish, to open and operate their first of many Taco Johns Restaurants. Gary spent several years traveling and opening Taco Johns in cities throughout the Midwest while traveling in his airplane nicknamed "It's Tacorrific". He always remembered when one airport employee told him "you are cleared for takeoff super-hot". This year in June, they would have celebrated 52 years of Taco Johns in Spearfish. In 1992 along with three friends (known as the Harding Street Hard Bodies) they opened their first Perkins Restaurant in Spearfish and continued to open more Perkins in Watertown and Scottsbluff.

During his business career in Spearfish, Gary received numerous awards from Black Hills State University. These included the Alumni Special Service Award and the Accomplished Alumni Award. From the City of Spearfish, he received the Life-Time Achievement Award. He was also a proud member of the Spearfish Lions Club.

In 2007 Gary was blessed by a grandson Teven and in 2009 a granddaughter Kiley. They were the light of his life. Gary loved spending time hunting, fishing, and trips to Florida with his grandchildren. Gary is survived by his loving wife Sharon Andersen; son Ryan Andersen; daughter Kara Andersen Harmon (Chris); grandson Teven Harmon; granddaughter Kiley Harmon and their father Todd Harmon; mother Mildred Andersen; brothers Fred Andersen and Steve Andersen (Carol); sister Bev Reed (Bill) and numerous nieces and nephews. Gary is preceded in death by his father George Andersen.

Gary talked about how much he loved Spearfish, all of his cherished friends during his life and his family. Gary was looking forward to coming home to mow his yard, power spray Taco Johns and attending the four o'clock Monday boys at the shop gathering. Sadly, time did not permit this to happen.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm on June 29th at the United Methodist Church in Spearfish followed by a  celebration of life. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. A memorial will be established at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com