Frank Larsen Obituary

Frank Larsen came into this world on December 4, 1937, as the first son to the proud parents of Olaf and Nora Larsen of Canova, SD. He later was joined by 4 more brothers (Don, Richard, Gene, Floyd) and one sister (Ann). As the eldest, he helped his father build the family home in Canova. In July 1951, Frank was afflicted with paralytic polio (one of two cases in Canova). At 13 years of age, Frank spent 8 months in a ward of 12 other men (him being the youngest) in the Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD trying to regain strength and movement of his left side. Through much pain, determination and grit, Frank was able to return home in March of 1952 in a body cast which he wore for another 6 months through the sweltering heat of a SD summer. Unfortunately, the body cast did more damage than good and when it was removed, Frank ended up with serious spinal and abdominal issues that plagued him his whole life.
However, Frank was a fighter and was determined to work to better himself physically and financially. He worked as a farm hand, traveled to the gold mines in the Black Hills and returned to work in the Madison area on a variety of farms. In 1955, Frank joined the Guard and remained active until after the Berlin Crisis in 1962. Frank met the love of his life, Marguerite DuFrain, on a blind date. They were married on Jan. 26, 1960. Then Frank began work in the grocery stores, he did a variety of jobs ending that career as a meat cutter/manager in Marc's Market in Platte, SD, after a serious injury to his back.
This injury did not stop Frank, he worked hard to get strength back and then launched his carpet cleaning business, Larsen's Chem-Dry. The doctors told Frank as an adolescent that he would be in a wheelchair at age 40 due to the polio complications, but through his perseverance, Frank proved them wrong. He cleaned carpets for 20 years until he was 68 and retired his business.
As Frank aged, post-polio syndrome reared its ugly head. Frank learned to live with much pain in his golden years. He would reminisce about the 1970s and 80s when he and Marguerite were dancing up a storm in Pukwana. He would tell tales about his hunting days with his brothers. He loved shooting trap as a hobby. He and Marguerite enjoyed many Saturday nights of card games with friends.
Family was everything to Frank. His brothers and sister had many family get-togethers with him and Marguerite. To his union with Marguerite, he had 3 children, Todd, Sandra and Troy. He loved seeing his grandchildren, Travis, Blake, Tara, Craig, Abigail and Emily. One of his biggest joys were the family reunions when all descended to the Platte Larsen home where good food was provided and lots of games and conversations were enjoyed.
Frank left this world on July 4, 2025. He has been reunited with his wife of 62 years, Marguerite; his brother, Richard; his mom, Nora and dad, Olaf. He will be dearly missed.
Funeral services will be held at a later date.