Todd A. McGillivary

Todd Allen McGillivary, age 59, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at his residence.

Todd was born December 18, 1961 in Watertown, SD to Marvin and Joyce (Schaack) McGillivary. He graduated from Henry High School in 1980, and began working at Smith Equipment after completing the welding program at Lake Area Vo-Tech. On March 17, 1984 he married Krista Fritz and together they had their one and only daughter, Tara Jane. After nearly 20 years at Smith, he left to start his own hoof trimming business where he often worked alongside his brother, Drew.

Todd was a hard-working, responsible, and caring man. Many would describe him as the ‘nicest guy'. He always wanted to know how you and your family were doing, and truly wanted to hear your reply. Todd's family brought immense joy to his life and in return he gave them his best. He was a loyal husband and a proud father. He enjoyed watching movies and sitting by a fire with his daughter Tara, as well as his times with her at events like the Crystal Springs Rodeo.

His passion for the outdoors was undeniable. He lived for the fall to arrive each year. Todd could be found hunting game of any and all sorts. He loved spending an afternoon with his dog walking through the brush in search of a pheasant or an early morning drive to a corn field awaiting the arrival of ducks and geese. The pursuit of antelope, deer, elk, moose, and other big game, led him to many states, up to Canada and he even got to fulfill his dream of hunting in Africa. He lived this part of his life to the fullest and you could always count on a great story upon his return. Todd would gladly head out on his own, but was much happier to spend his hours hunting with his brothers, nephews, and many close friends.

When he wasn't shooting game (or when there was no hunting season open) he enjoyed shooting targets and trap with his nephews and proudly helped several of them each shoot their first pheasant and deer. He often connected with his nieces and nephews with a phone call or text, just to chat and see how things were going. He wanted every person in his life to feel special.

In 1995, Todd and his brothers, Rock and Bret, began farming. This allowed them to spend many hours together at the family base which brought great joy to his parents.

Todd was one of the good guys. His death leaves a huge hole in all of our hearts which can only be filled by the immense feelings of love and honor to be part of his life. He will be deeply missed by those who had the privilege to know him.

Todd is survived by his wife Krista, daughter Tara, parents Marvin and Joyce, his siblings Jody (Tom) Foster, Rock (Becky) McGillivary, Jill (Jeff) Hackenmueller, Bret (Gwen) McGillivary, Drew McGillivary, mother-in-law Carlene (Cramer) Fritz, in-laws Melany Fritz, Cody (Natalie) Fritz, Robert (Ginny Even) Solem, Jennifer (Joe) Amendt, Wade (Cynthia) Fritz, Greg Beaner. And many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by his father-in-law, Wesley Fritz.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer. Pastor Kent Stillson will officiate.

Visitation will be at the church prior to the service on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, beginning at 12:00 p.m. Burial will be at the Graceland Cemetery, north of Henry, SD. Pallbearers are: Jon Dagel, Jeremiah Dagel, Joel Willette, Dale Mouncur, Larry Haider and Chuck Stone.

*Please feel free to dress in hunting attire*
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Boys & Girls Club of Watertown.

Service Details.

Visitation

When: May 26, 2021 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Location: Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer
Address: 2001 2nd Street West Watertown SD Watertown, SD 57201

Service

When: May 26, 2021 1:30pm
Location: Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer
Address: 2001 2nd Street West Watertown SD Watertown, SD 57201

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Todd A. McGillivary, please visit our floral store.