Olaf Larson

Olaf Larson was born on November 13, 1928 to Darwin and Christine (Syvertsen) Larson on the farm north of Vivian, S.D. He died April 6, 2023 at Avera St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre at the age of 94. 

A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 21, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Vivian Lutheran Church, with visitation for one hour prior. Interment will follow at the Vivian Cemetery. Isburg Funeral Chapel of Pierre has been placed in care of the arrangements.  

Olaf was baptized as a baby and later confirmed in his faith at the Lutheran Church in Vivian. He graduated from Vivian High School in 1948.

Olaf, while farming and ranching north of Vivian, met the love of his life, Julie, while she was teaching 1st grade at Vivian Public School in 1949. They were married in Pierre, S.D .on June 11, 1950, in a double wedding ceremony with one of Olaf’s sisters, Bob and Gladys Smith. They remained on the farm/ranch until grandson, Ryan Larson, returned to the family farm/ranch to work  with his parents, Tom and Vana, beginning the fourth generation on the Larson homestead.  Olaf and Julie purchased a home in Marion’s Garden, Ft. Pierre in 2006. Later they moved to Edgewood Living Center in Pierre.

Olaf is survived by his five children: Roger (Wanda) Larson of Murdo, S.D.; Linda (Dennis) Gerard of Kennebec, S.D.; Tim (Jan) of Pierre, S.D.; Tom (Vana) of Vivian, S.D. and Chris (Lon) Peters of Murdo S.D. Six grandsons; five granddaughters; 13 great grandsons; nine great granddaughters plus numerous nieces and nephews.

Olaf was preceded in death by his wife, Julie, on December 4, 2018. He was also preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Edwin and Melvin, and seven sisters, Emma, Laura, Clara, Gladys, Alma, Alice and Josephine. Also preceded in death by several brothers and sisters-in-law.

Memorials may be directed to the Vivian Lutheran Church.