Larry E. Rykken

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Larry Rykken was born in Hutchinson, MN on September 2, 1938 and died on March 1, 2008 while exercising at a local gym. He was the only child of Violet Song of Mesa, AZ and the late Art Rykken of Billings, MT. Larry was recovering from two recent deaths in his family; his grandson Brian Rykken on April 15, 2007, son to his daughter Davena Rykken Doss and his wife of 44 years, Betty Joyce on February 7, 2008. He wanted to get in shape to keep up with his surviving grandchildren: Erick and Kara Loden, children of Cindy and David Loden of Buffalo WY and Laurel and April Rykken, children of Tony and Deanna Rykken of Omaha, NE. Larry was a scholar at an early age; setting many academic records. He was honored to be an Eagle Scout and the valedictorian of his high school class. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Chemical Engineering and was a member of the elite organization, MENSA of America. Larry's professional endeavors were in mining and nuclear clean-up and he was once featured on the cover of the magazine Chemical & Engineering News. While enjoying his work, Larry was most proud of his role as Dad and Grandpa. Larry enjoyed his friendships with The Star Promenaders Square Dance Club and his friendships with the congregation of Burns Memorial Church, both of which played a prominent role in Larry and Betty's life in Augusta. He will surely be missed. Funeral services will be Thursday March 6, 2008 at Burns Memorial United Methodist Church at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Bill Burch officiating. Burial services will be held at Garden Hills Cemetery, 3:00 p.m. CST, 4:00 p.m. EST., Opelika, Alabama. Family and friends are welcome to travel with him for a burial in Opelika, AL where he will be laid to rest with his beloved wife. Pallbearers will be Tony Rykken, David Loden, Larry Dodson, Herschel Mobley, Don Dodson, and Wes Libby. Honorary pallbearers will be lifelong friend Dave Snider, Daniel Dodson and the C.S.R.A. Square Dancing Community. Contributions may be made to the Brian Rykken Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund, ASU Foundation, 2500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904. The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at Elliott Sons Funeral Home, from 6-8 p.m.