Robert Allen 'Al' Larson, 68, passed away after a long illness on Wednesday, June 6 at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls.

Al was born in Orange County, Calif., on May 17, 1944 to Yerke Zane (Y.Z.) and Pearl (Ogden) Larson. Pearl and Al returned to South Dakota shortly after he was born, as Y.Z. was sent to the European Theatre to fight in WWII. Al lived in Sioux Falls for the rest of his life, and was once asked if he'd ever consider leaving South Dakota, and his response was, "the only other place I'd consider living is North Dakota."

Much of his youth was spent in the boxing ring, and he was named a Golden Glove Boxer for the state of South Dakota in the 1960's. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed motorcycle riding, especially dirt bike riding in the Black Hills with his son Jason. He attended the Sturgis Bike Rally every year until his illness prevented the annual trek. The love of speed was always a part of his life, as he frequented Thunder Valley Dragways in Parker with his 1965 Chevelle. He was also seen in a blur on the city streets of Sioux Falls in one of his corvettes or motorcycles. The classic smirk on his face and his quick-witted comebacks are trademarks that will forever be remembered.

On May 20, 1965, Al married Vicky Gibson. Later in life he married his lifetime soul mate, Kathy Bim. Al and Kathy were married on August 24, 1973 and they lived a loving life for the next 39 years before his death. After being diagnosed with his deadly disease, Kathy was by Al's side, assisting him in everyday life responsibilities, and was by his side when he passed away.

Al graduated from Washington High School in 1962, and later attended Augustana College and Nettleton College in Sioux Falls. He also was in the Army National Guard of Minnesota in Pipestone for six years. In his professional career, he was a longtime staple in the downtown business community, serving as Vice President of Maxwell Hotel Supply Company on Sixth and Main for 45 years.

Al is survived by his wife Kathy, daughter Nancy (Savage) of Sioux Falls, son Jason and daughter-in-law Christy (Strong) of Pierre. Al also leaves behind two granddaughters, Isabella Savage and Madelyn Larson. Both Isabella and Madelyn brought many smiles to Al's face in his final years, as his love for the two little girls was overwhelming.

Al has one brother, Gary (Linda) Pierre, sisters - Carol Wills, Sioux Falls, Sandy Runde (Marshall Schleve), Rapid City and Colleen Werner of Sioux Falls.

He was preceded in death by his mother Pearl, his father Y.Z, and nephew Grant Larson.

Services will be held on Tuesday, June 12 at 11 am at Miller Funeral Home in Sioux Falls. Honorary pallbearers for the service include Joe Brandt, Darrel Franken, Mike Gillespie, Denny Kadinger, Dave Koehler Sr., Tom Savage, Marv Wachendorf and Larry Werner.

Viewing will begin at noon on Monday, June 11th , with the family present from 5-7 pm.

A reception following Tuesday's service will be held at the Carpenter Hotel (229 S. Phillips Ave.) in downtown Sioux Falls.

Memorials can be sent in Al's name to the Children's Miracle Network, Dougherty Hospice House of Sioux Falls or the charity of your choice.

Source - http://www.millerfh.com/