Services for Dennis K. Larson, 84, of Groton will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 1st at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Groton. Pastor Nicole Phillips will officiate. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery under the direction of Paetznick-Garness Funeral Chapel, Groton.
Visitation will be held at the church on Feb. 28th from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.
Dennis passed away February 18, 2025, at his home.
Dennis K. Larson was born December 3, 1940, in Britton, South Dakota to Clifford M. and Alice Mabel (Johnson) Larson.
Dennis was raised on a farm east of Langford, South Dakota. He attended the Hoines Country School #203 until 8th grade. He graduated from Langford High School in 1958. He continued his education at Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen, South Dakota and graduated with a degree in Business Administration and Economics in 1962. While attending Northern he played football, forging many strong friendships that endure to this day. On August 19, 1961, he married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Jones. They shared 63 wonderful years together; 70 years if you count their dating years! They were blessed with two children, Eric and LaRae.
His first job out of college was with First National Corporation, now Wells Fargo. He was transferred to First National Bank in Groton on October 1, 1965, as the assistant manager. Dennis rented a farm outside of Groton in 1970, which is their current home. He farmed full time until 1981. In 1986 he created L & S Agency Incorporated until his retirement on January 1, 2014. He and Shirley enjoyed 22 years of wintering in Mesa, Arizona. He cherished his many friendships through numerous groups. His favorite trips were made more memorable because he experienced them with his family.
Dennis grew up working on the family farm. From a young age he was instilled with the value of hard work and caring for others. Life was not easy, but through it all there were many blessings, much happiness, and forever relationships. His strong faith was always his center, his true north. When things got tough, he always looked to the Lord for guidance and knew He would provide. His faith never wavered but continued to grow in all of his years. He was an active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church holding many positions in service of the church.
His love and commitment to his family was incredible. He loved unconditionally. He taught his children and grandchildren to be generous and compassionate with all people you encounter. Dennis was always present, whether it was an athletic/school event, which meant driving late into the night, or a scheduled phone call on a Sunday evening. When he committed to something, he followed through to the best of his ability. All people in Dennis’ life were considered family. He was the type of person that you could simply just sit and visit with, forever marked by his special touch. You see, relationships mattered to Dennis. People were important to Dennis, and he showed that time and time again. He served on multiple boards and committees all throughout his life, starting with the Aberdeen Jaycees and ending with Lutheran Outdoors, with many in between. He continued to serve others in all that he did. He made a difference far and wide in our community and many communities in the surrounding area. He was always looking for a way to give back. His guiding Bible verse was Luke 12:48 “To whom much is given, much is expected.” His advice to all is to, “Stay close to your faith, your family, and just have a happy life.”
Dennis is survived by his wife, Shirley, son Eric (Becky) Larson Mitchell, SD, daughter LaRae (Steve) Blote, Rapid City; grandchildren, the joy of his life, Connor and Lauren Larson, (fiancé Matthew Billion), Emily and Grace Blote, twin brother Dale Larson, brother Roger (Diane) Larson, sister Joyce Skovran, brother-in-law Kenny (Sherry) Jones, sister-in-law Penny (Bill) Stolle, Darla Larson, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Clifford and Alice Larson, in-laws Kenneth and Rose Jones, brother Clark Larson, brothers-in-law James L. Jones, Brian Jones, and Andy Skovran, and sisters-in-law Bonnie Larson and Marlene Jones.
In lieu of flowers Dennis requested any memorial contributions be directed to the following: Palliative Care/Hospice Care at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital, Lutheran Outdoors, Lutheran Social Services, Groton Baseball Association, or the Northern State University Foundation.
www.paetznick-garness.com
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