Leighton  Gemar

CLERGY
Rev. Fr. Mathew Vazhappilly
Msgr. Carlton Hermann
MUSIC
Organist ~ Georgianne Pravecek
Soloist ~ Wade Gemar
"Amazing Grace"
Accompanied by Diane Hofer
Congregational Hymn
"Precious Lord, Take My Hand"
CASKETBEARERS
Ryan Hofer
Christopher Hofer
Carrie Reiss
Dessa Gemar
Emily Firchau
Wade Gemar
Lauri Gemar-Rothschadl
Carissa Gemar
Adam Gemar
Lukas Gemar
Grant Gemar
Ashley Gemar
Michael Gemar
Megan Gemar
Rachel Gemar
Hillary Dahlen
Derek Dahlen
Nick Dahlen
Leighton Gemar died peacefully on Monday, February 11th at his home in Scotland, South Dakota.  Leighton was born in Scotland, SD to Emil and Ida (Schenkenberger) Gemar on May 21st, 1922.  He was educated in rural Scotland and attended Scotland High School and Southern Normal School where he received his teaching degree.  After teaching in rural Yankton County, Leighton served in the Army.  After his discharge, he returned to teaching in rural Hutchinson County.   He also worked for a short time at the Scotland Creamery and Rivin Brothers Grocery.    On June 26th, 1945, Leighton married Beatrice (Manas).   To this union, seven children were born.   In 1949 Leighton purchased the old Scotland Grocery, which later became Gemar’s Market.   Leighton owned and managed Gemar’s Market for over 30 years.
Leighton worked tirelessly for the community of Scotland, which he called home for 85 years.   He often commented that he could not imagine living anywhere else.  His dedication to his family and his community was evident in his many volunteer activities.   Leighton was involved as a Boy Scout leader and active in the American Legion baseball program.  He was a member of the Scotland School Board for over 17 years.   Leighton was a member of the American Legion for over 55 years-serving as Post Commander on several occasions.    He was a charter member of the Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital Governing Board and remained active for 37 years.
An active fund-raiser for community development projects, Leighton was chairman of the initial fund-raising drive for the Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital in 1967, and was an active member of the steering committee for the current hospital renovation project.   He served as chairman of the fund-raising drive for the Scotland Good Samaritan Center dining room expansion project, and also on the fund-raising committee to build the new library addition to the high school.
Leighton was a charter member of the Scotland Development Corporation and a 50-year member of the Scotland Chamber of Commerce.  He was also a long-time member of the Scotland Rotary Club, and was recognized as a “Paul Harris Fellow,” one of Rotary’s highest honors.
Leighton served the business community as an active member of the South Dakota Board of Retailers—serving as President from 1976-1977.  He also served on the Affiliated Foods Board of Directors.
After retirement, his attention was directed toward various community service projects. He volunteered to plant and care for trees in the city park and Scotland Cemetery.   He was often seen collecting tickets at the Legion baseball games, and he frequently manned the city rubble site.  And who hasn’t been approached by Leighton to purchase chances at “cow patty bingo!”
Leighton was an avid golfer and enjoyed his matches with friends and family.  A charter member of the Dawson Creek Golf Club, he donated countless hours toward the development of the golf course and its improvements over the years.
Leighton was most devoted to his family, and enjoyed times with his children, grandkids, and great grandkids.  You could always find him at their ball games, track meets, school plays, band concerts, and other activities.  There was always a knee to bounce on, a whisker burn, or a joke to share.   Those that knew Leighton recognized his love of life, good spirits, and positive attitude.  He was a walking joke book, and was happy to share with anyone who would listen.
A man of faith, Leighton was a dedicated member of St. George’s Catholic Church and active on the Parish Council.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Beatrice (Bea) of Scotland; children, Diane (Len Hofer) of Beresford, SD; Greg (JoAnn) Gemar of Scotland, SD; Roger (Jean) Gemar of Papillion, NE; James (Karen) Gemar of Moorhead, MN; Charles (Char) Gemar of Benton, KS; Dwight (Claudia) Gemar of Walnut Creek, CA; Dr. Sheila Gemar (Wayne Dahlen) of Spicer, MN; and sisters Belinda (Clough) of Alpine, CA; and Elsie (Magstadt) of Scotland, SD; 18 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.
Leighton was preceded in his death by his parents Emil and Ida Gemar, four siblings, Art, Lea (Gall), Viola (Nelson), and Violet (Wright).  
In lieu of flowers, a memorial scholarship fund will be set up in his name.