He was born March 10, 1942 to William and Nettie Herman near Parkston, SD. He graduated from Parkston High School in 1960. He married Delileah Seidel on October 17, 1964 at the Salem Reformed Church in Menno, SD.

He was self-employed as a well repairman. He also served as the Hutchinson County Emergency & Disaster Director from 2001-2007. Throughout his life Gary was a member of the Menno Fire Department, South Dakota Firefighters Association, member of Grace Lutheran Church and choir, Menno City Council, Menno Community Club, Menno Area Development Committee, and Lower James RC&D. He gave tirelessly of his time to the community and his friends. His pastimes included attending auction sales, attending concerts and plays, bowling, solving crossword puzzles and playing cards with his friends at the Beer Garden.

He is survived by his five children: Michelle Herman, Birmingham, AL; Lisa (Larry) Klaudt, Menno; Kristi (Jason) Sayler, Sioux Falls; Travis (Linda) Herman, Altoona, IA; and Janae Herman, Rapid City; five grandchildren: Nicholas and Jack Herman, Logan Klaudt , Jenna and Morgan Sayler; very special friend Gladys Billars, Kaylor; his mother, Nettie Herman, Menno; one brother, James Herman, Menno; three sisters: Joanne Ziarek, New Berlin, WI; Judy (Greg) Houda, Jackson Hole, WY; and Pat Herman, Iowa City, IA; his mother-in-law, Ruth Seidel-Record, his step father-in-law, Robert Record, one brother-in-law, Lee (Gloria) Seidel, Eau Claire, WI; one nephew, Mark (Lisa) Seidel, Madison, WI; one niece, Amy (Jeff Miller) Seidel, Iowa City, IA.

He was preceded in death by his wife and father.