Gene G. Larsen

Gene Larsen, 95, formerly of Sioux Falls passed away peacefully with family at his side on Monday, January 27, 2025, at Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home in Viborg SD. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at Abiding Savior Free Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls SD followed by burial with military rites at Rosehill Cemetery, Parker, SD. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Heritage Funeral Home, Sioux Falls SD. The service will be livestreamed at www.abidingsaviorsf.org Gene Gilbert Larsen was born on August 24, 1929, on a farm near Hurley, SD to John and Mary (Jorgensen) Larsen. Having lost his father at an early age, he did farmwork alongside his older brothers, developing an excellent work ethic that would carry into his adult years. A year after graduating from Hurley High School in 1947, he joined the US Navy and served during the Korean War. Gene enjoyed playing all sports in high school, especially football. That earned his position as tackle on the Naval Air Station Agana Flyers football team while serving in Guam. Upon discharge from the service, while at a St Patrick’s Day dance in Hurley, he met the gal who would be his lifelong partner. On December 27, 1953, he was united in marriage to Bettie Jones in Parker. In the early years of their marriage, they farmed near Parker and then Viborg SD. They sold the farm and with two small children at the time, they moved to California. Family was greatly missed and so they returned to South Dakota one year later. He then worked at Greenlee Packing Plant for a time before he began an advertising sales career with Directory Service Company in 1963, changing later to Farm & Home Publishers. He officially retired after 46 years. No matter where Gene and Bettie lived, whether it be Brandon SD, summers at their Lake Poinsett cabin, winters in Arizona at Silverridge RV Resort, Lake Madison SD, and other homes throughout their life together, they made sure to fill it with love and cherished traditions. Gene treasured his family and provided them with years of fun, entertaining them with his stories and humor. Traveling throughout the United States, a trip to Europe (which included his ancestry country of Denmark) and cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean were especially enjoyed. Of all of the family vacations and camping trips, Gene stated many times that his greatest pleasure was travelling with Bettie in a motorhome, where they created countless memories together. Besides travelling, Gene enjoyed woodworking, of which family members have items made with his hands. And anyone who knew Gene knew of his steadfast allegiance to the SDSU Jackrabbits. Gene was a lifelong member of the VFW. Throughout his life he also belonged to the American Legion, Elks Club, Moose Club, Motorhome and Snowmobile clubs. A highlight later in life was going with two of his lifelong friends, Darwin DeVries, and Charlie Larsen on the first Midwest Honor Flight in 2017. Blessed to have shared his life are his loving wife of 71 years, Bettie; his children, Deb Kleeman (Mark Slatterly) of West Des Moines, IA, Kristi (Joe) Lloyd of Inwood, IA, David Larsen of Volga, SD, Lisa (Chris) Thomas of Yankton, SD; Daughter-In-Law, Lisa Larsen of Larchwood, IA; 15 grandchildren: Jennifer Kleeman, Matthew Kleeman, Andrew Kleeman, Tanner Larsen, Lance Schreurs, Luke Larsen, Erin Larsen, Blake Lloyd, Kacie Cunningham, Levi Larsen, Dane Larsen, Silas Larsen, Chloe Larsen, Jacob Thomas, Betsy Semmler; 24 Great-Grandchildren. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, son Charlie Larsen; son-in-law Joe Kleeman; 7 siblings and their spouses, Ernest (Clara) (Alice) Larsen, Dagmar (John) Stenholtz, Ella Larsen, Vesta (Fred) Schroedermeier, Esther (Ellsworth) Jenter, Ivan (Mariam) Larsen and Robert (Maxine) Larsen. Thank you to all the special people at Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home and AseraCare Hospice who provided such good care to Gene and the family. You are a blessing!