Gary Neils Picklesimer returned to his Heavenly Father on Friday, September 18, 2009 after a heroic battle with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrigs disease. He maintained his characteristic patience, optimism, and good humor until the very end. Gary was born on February 15, 1949 to Fae Garda Anderson Picklesimer and Ben Oakley Picklesimer in St. George, Utah. Gary had a deep-rooted love for Utahs Dixie and spent the majority of his life living, learning, and serving among its red hills and sunshine. He was educated at West Elementary, East Elementary, Woodward Jr. High School, and Dixie High School before receiving his formal education at Dixie College and Brigham Young University. He enjoyed a childhood of carefree happiness exploring, adventuring, and getting into (mostly) innocent trouble with his brother, sister, and many friends. He was a natural leader and attracted countless friends with his larger than life personality and infectious laugh. Gary served an honorable mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hamburg, Germany. On January 22, 1972 he married his best friend and sweetheart Elsa Jane Ashby Picklesimer, whom he had loved devotedly since they were in the same second grade class. Gary and Elsa were blessed with six children, and they consistently put each other and their children above other responsibilities and pursuits throughout their lives together. It was evident to all who knew Gary that his wife and family were the center of his life and the pride of his heart. Gary spent seven years as the owner and proprietor of a local fine clothing store, Picklesimers , and for many years thereafter he represented New York Life Insurance Company as an active agent. Although he was involved in various civic clubs over the years, he chose to devote most of his discretionary time to his Heavenly Father. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all of his life and held countless callings, including High Councilor, Gospel Doctrine Teacher, Young Mens President, and Bishop of the Dixie College 3rd Ward. During each of Garys callings with youth, his home was constantly overflowing with his young friends enjoying meals, conversations, laughter, and his signature rootbeer floats with his family. He was an enthusiastic student of Church History and Gospel Doctrine and could always be found either studying the Gospel or imparting his knowledge to others. He performed many spontaneous acts of service and was a true friend and loving supporter to all who crossed his path. He was blessed with the gift of being able to put others at ease and always overflowed with happiness, gratitude, and good cheer. He was also well-known for his homemade dry-ice rootbeer, which he served by the gallon to friends and strangers alike on each Halloween and 4th o Gary was preceded in death by his father, Ben Oakley Picklesimer. He is survived by his wife, Elsa; his children, Ben (Jennifer), Amy, Sam, Mike, Emilie, and Tom (Juli); two grandchildren, Beck and Arvilla; his mother, Fae; and his siblings, Michael (Dotty) and Colleen (Greg) Thornock. The Picklesimer family wishes to thank all who gave of themselves to make his illness and their loss more bearable. Funeral services will be held at the Bloomington Hills 6th Ward Chapel, 750 Ft. Pierce Dr., St. George, UT., on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. A visitation will be held Monday, September 21 from 6-8 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W. St. George Blvd., and Tuesday, from 9:30-10:30 a.m., at the chapel, prior to services. Interment will be in the St. George City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Perpetual Education Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary 435-673-4221.