Lyle E. Larson

Lyle E. Larson, age 82 of Sioux Falls, SD passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at his home surrounded by his beloved family.  His Funeral Service will be 11:30 AM Friday, May 9, 2025 at St Therese Catholic Church followed by Interment at Hills of Rest Cemetery.  Family Present Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 PM Thursday, May 8, 2025 at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory, Sioux Falls.   

Consider donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or the South Dakota Food Pantry.  

Lyle was born October 5, 1942 as the youngest of four children to Hilma and Arne Larson. He lived his entire life in Sioux Falls, graduating from Washington High School in 1961, marrying Donna (Jensen) in September 1964, raising four girls, followed by six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. After receiving his Bachelor’s of Education degree in 1971 from Augustana College, he worked for 3 years as a 5th grade teacher at Hawthorne Elementary school. During this time, Lyle and Donna served as foster parents to teenage mothers while also raising their first two daughters. In 1974, Lyle began his career at Disability Determination Services (DDS) of South Dakota, while Donna started an organization to teach Lamaze childbirth classes to expecting parents throughout Sioux Falls. In 1977, just after the birth of their fourth daughter, Donna went to nursing school, followed by a career as a postpartum nurse at Sioux Valley Hospital. Lyle worked at DDS and Donna worked at Sioux Valley (now Sanford) until their retirement, all the while taking care of family and friends. 

There was much to keep Lyle busy with family and work, but he was not one to sit around, so he found opportunities to do more. He held many, many part-time jobs, volunteered, donated blood, coached softball, attended his children’s recitals and games, hunted pheasant, walked the dogs, cared for his mom, chauffeured family and friends (and sometimes strangers), maintained the cars, remodeled his home, attended his grandchildren’s recitals and games, and gave of his time (and money) generously to anyone who asked, no matter the hour.

Lyle was diagnosed with dementia several years ago, which was a long struggle that ended with an abrupt decline after a series of unrelated illnesses. Lyle died at home surrounded by his entire family, who watched over him with love and care awaiting his merciful and peaceful passing. We miss him and will miss him, immeasurably.

Lyle worked hard. Loved his family. Helped others where and when he could. Cheered and jeered the Twins and Vikings. And took every opportunity to talk with family, friends, and strangers. We hope at this very moment that he is hanging out in someone’s garage, watching the Twins, eating potluck, talking with everyone, and of course, having a beer.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Donna (Jensen) Larson of Sioux Falls, SD; four daughters, Angela (Ken) Kramer of Sioux Falls, SD, Amy (Matt Chafee) Larson of Minneapolis, MN, Andrea (John) Green of Sioux Falls, SD and Alicia Larson of Minneapolis, MN; six grandchildren, Blake (Jeorgette) Larson of Sioux Falls, SD, Roan Chafee of Minneapolis, MN, Leyton Kramer of Sioux Falls, SD, Mason Green of Sioux Falls, SD, Nina Chafee of Minneapolis, MN, and Reannah Green of Sioux Falls, SD; one great-grandchild, Isabella Larson; sister, Mavis Carl of Sioux Falls, SD; brother, Dale (Nadine) Larson of Lake Norden, SD;  and a host of other relatives and friends. 

Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, Arne and Hilma (Hanger) Larson; and his sister, Shirley Wermers.