Gary Herman

Gary Lee “Doc” Herman passed away the evening of Sept. 9, 2025, while out feeding his deer.
He was born July 24, 1941, in Caldwell, Idaho to Raleigh and Elsie (Shambaugh) Herman. Gary and his mother moved to Rapid City, S.D., in 1953. He graduated from high school in 1960.
He worked at Sooper Dooper and Myron’s Cashway making cabinets before joining the Navy Seabees in 1962.  In 1966, Gary started with the Rapid City Fire Department and retired Sept. 9, 1991, after 25-1/2 years of service.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his stepdad, Ted May; his sister, Pat; his brother,  Darrel; and his step-brothers, Louie and Jerry May.  
He is survived by his son, Corbin (Terri) Herman of Custer, S.D.; his daughter, Tylee (Jim) Peterson of Spearfish, S.D.; and his special friend, Rhonda Siegrist. He has six grandchildren, Cody (Alisha) Herman, Shane (Kylie) Herman, Jessica (Jake) Servaty, Matthew (Sophie) Peterson, Yohannes Peterson and Rediet Peterson. He has eight great-grandchildren, Harper, Graham, Marley, Boaz, James, Colette, Maeve and Nella. He is also survived by his stepbrother, Del May.
His greatest accomplishment was building his own log house and producing all the lumber with his sawmill. He created a life that he loved, surrounded by wildlife, his cat and his special canine companion, Tia.  
Gary enjoyed black powder and rendezvous, modeling for artist rides, riding his Harley and hanging out with his friends at The Gator, The Garage and Matt’s Place. In his later years he was well-known for his birdhouses that he loved to share and donate.
Committal services will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 30, at Black Hills National Cemetery with military honors presented.
Arrangements are entrusted with Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer.