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Submitted: 11/5/23 • Approved: 11/22/23 • Last Updated: 11/25/23 • R275597-G275597-S3
Section Willow plot 1592
Donald “Don” Lee Larson
October 29, 1947 – May 4, 2023
Donald Lee Larson, age 75, passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at his home in Freeman, South Dakota. A committal service open to the public will be held at 9:45 am on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at Woodlawn Cemetery (2001 S Cliff Ave.). A Celebration of Life will follow, beginning with a prayer service at 11:30 am at Miller Funeral Home – Southside Chapel (7400 S. Minnesota Ave.) with lunch to begin at 12:00 pm. The family will be present until 2:00 pm.
Don was born on October 29, 1947 to Leonard and Mabel (Cluts) Larson in Watertown, South Dakota. He grew up in South Dakota in both Vienna and Sioux Falls, and attended Washington High School, where he graduated from in 1965. Don enjoyed remodeling, designing, and building. He worked as a mechanical engineer for most of his life. Later on, Don worked a variety of retail positions, lastly working at Menards designing kitchens and cabinetry.
Don married his high school sweetheart, Linda “Lin” Bernice McCloud on August 5, 1966 at Eastside Presbyterian Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The couple spent 56 loving and vibrant years together before Lin’s passing in November of 2022. Together they had three children, Dani, Jamie, and Kevin. Known to their friends and loved ones by their aliases, “Fred and Mildred,” Don and Lin shared a love of watching sprint car and NASCAR races. They traveled across the United States to many cities to see as many as they could.
Don was talented at building and maintaining sprint cars. He and Lin had their own team, DonLin Racing, and managed many drivers that raced at multiple tracks in the Midwest. Classic cars also had a special place in Don’s heart, especially his Falcon. He also collected models of classic cars along with model planes. Don was a history buff. He was incredibly knowledgeable and was eager to share what he knew with others, especially concerning WWI and WWII, and the history of South Dakota. Don’s shelves were full of books, movies and memorabilia regarding his interests. Don also enjoyed hunting, and would do so with his family.
Don had a punchy humor and many long-standing jokes with his friends and family. He will be truly missed.
Grateful to have shared Don’s life with him are his children, Dani (Scott) Stebbins, Jamie (Michael) Freeman, and Kevin (Heidi) Larson; his grandchildren, Courtnay (Lee) Reitz, Eric (Nicole) Larson, Emilie (Kalub) Srstka, and Jack Freeman; his great-grandchildren, Willow Reitz, Kimber Hansen, Daemon Reitz, Leigha Larson, and Ryker Reitz; his brother, Dale Larson; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lin; his parents, Leonard and Mabel Larson; and his siblings, Dianna Fink, Lola Kolb, Mona Floyd, and Bernell Larson.
Obit added by dells
11-22-2023
Contributed on 11/5/23 by 9katz
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Record #: 275597