Darrell Larson Obituary

Darrell Larson, 83, of Hamill, SD passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at the Winner Regional Hospital in Winner, SD. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 10:30AM at the Hamill Hall in Hamill, SD. Burial will follow in the Hamill Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025 from 6-7:00PM at the Zion Lutheran Church in Hamill, SD with a prayer service beginning at 7:00PM. Funeral Services will be live streamed through the Mason Funeral Home Facebook page. Click the link to watch the services https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063938806463
Darrell was born on January 27, 1942 to Theodore "Ted" Larson and Gertrude "Gertie" (Larsen) Larson in Chamberlain, South Dakota.
He spent his entire life on the family homestead, the youngest of four children. He attended Lindgren Country School 8 years, then started high school in Reliance/Chamberlain for about a year. Later that year, Darrell returned home to help his family on the ranch when his brother Glenn went to the military.
He and Fran (Houser) were united in marriage on March 11, 1960. To this Union was born, Mark in 1961, followed by Audie in 1962, Monty in 1964, and the family was complete with the arrival of Vicki in 1975.
Darrell was a busy man. In his early years, he enjoyed roller skating and being involved in the bowling league in Chamberlain. Within the Zion Lutheran Church in Hamill, he served many years on the church council as an officer, elder, as well as singing in the choir. Darrell and Fran enjoyed being active in 4-H as club leaders and volunteers both locally and at Western Jr. While on the fair board, Darrell and other members were instrumental in setting up the premium sale trust fund as well as the purchase and installation of the bucking chutes and livestock show ring. Darrell and Fran were also a part of the community founding and building of the Hamill Horseman's Club.
Darrell and Glenn started a partnership, increasing the size of the ranch, in 1960. Darrell was always a progressive thinker. By the early '70s, he was a first in his area to irrigate on heavy soils with center pivots, implemented no till farming, and was always ready to try the newest in innovative machinery. Darrell and Fran, along with Glenn and Barb, were passionate about livestock, and started raising production seed stock in 1969. He also had a passion for farming and wildlife, which led to the establishment of White River Sportsman's Club in 1985. Over the years, Darrell received numerous awards in the areas of farming and ranching.
Darrell also was asked to serve as an advisor to the Secretary of Agriculture in Washington DC, but declined, not wanting to disrupt the continuity of the family and the ranch. He also worked with state and federal governments to put together a block of 260,000 acres to spray for grasshoppers. Darrell was also a large promoter of the installation of the rural water system in his area.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Darrell and Fran were an open ear and consol to friends and neighbors with their faith. Darrell's desire was to use the land and hunting as an opportunity to share about Christ, and often shared that he wanted the ranch to be used for the Lord.
Darrell is survived by children Audie (Holly Ryno) Larson of Hamill, Monty Larson of Hamill, Vicki (Joel) Stuart of Reliance, grandchildren; Tanya (Daniel) Shoemaker of Gregory, Kaylea (Phil) Hannahs of Reliance, Trevor (Courtney Coad) Larson of Winner, Trace (Katie Schoenfelder) Larson of Hamill, and Jesse Larson of Hamill and 11 great-grandchildren, as well as sister Fern Zastrow of Sioux Falls, sister-in-law Barb Larson of Pierre and many nieces and nephews.
Darrell is preceded in death by his loving wife Fran, his parents, Ted and Gertie, in-laws Al and Lillian Houser, infant son Mark, siblings Glenn Larson and Velma Yates, brothers-in-law; Matt Zastrow and Bob Yates and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as many close friends.
Mason Funeral Home