Larry James LaRue

Larry James LaRue, 90, of Belle Fourche, died Wednesday, November 20th in Belle Fourche. Larry was born on October 14, 1934, in North Lemmon, Adams County, North Dakota. He was raised on the LaRue homestead near Lemmon where he attended school until the 8th grade. He worked on the farm until soon getting a job with Corcoran Trucking. In October of 1954 he became engaged to the only woman he loved, Shirley Ann Peters. Larry soon switched jobs and worked for a construction company which started his love and career with mechanics. Larry and Shirley were married on June 4th, 1955. A simple coin toss led them to start their lives in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. In 1957 Larry worked at Green's Lineup where soon after they gave birth to their son, Doug Larry James LaRue. Larry started working for Vanco Motors which led to his lifelong friendship with Vince Kaiser. In 1961 they gave birth to their daughter, Lorrie Ann LaRue. Larry developed the mechanic and welding program at Belle Fourche High School from 1968-1992. He attended Springfield College and Black Hills State University for his continuing education. Larry also served in the South Dakota National Guard as a Staff Sergeant for ten years. Larry took on the nickname "Coach". To many of his former students he became a respected role model. A poke on the chest or a squeeze on the shoulder, you always knew he was there for you. As a man of very little words, we knew he was a humble, very stubborn, hardworking, honest and a man of his word. Larry enjoyed golfing, softball, trap shooting, bowling, wood working and hunting. He was a family man and never a stranger in the crowd. Later in life Larry became part of the Friday breakfast club which led to long life friendships with many. He was a great father, family man and a great person to anyone and everyone a part of his life. Larry always had a heart like a kid. You never knew who to get after, him or his great grandchildren that he loved so much. Larry is proceeded in death by his parents Floyd and LeLa (Hannah) LaRue. His five sisters Molly LaRue, Lu Marty, Hazel Newell, Deloris Guizzetti and Lillian Gilbertson Clarkson. Larry is survived by his wife Shirley LaRue, Belle Fourche; son Doug (Jean) LaRue - Rapid City, SD; Daughter Lorrie (Roger) Kimball - Belle Fourche, SD; Grandchildren Brooke Schmett - Anchorage, AK, Cassie (Grant) Mason - Gillette, WY, Amanda Nelson - Sheridan, WY, Jamie Burke - Belle Fourche, SD and Daniel (Elizabeth Harrell) LaRue - Rapid City, SD; Great grandchildren Mitchell and Audrey Schmett, Natillie, Lucie, Korrie and William Mason, Coy Nelson and Adilynn LaRue Burke and Anderson Burke. As well as numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation was Friday November 29th 5-7 p.m. at Kline Funeral Chapel. Services were 11 a.m. November 30th at St. James Lutheran Church in Belle Fourche. Lunch will be provided from 1 - 5 p.m. at the Belle Fourche Country Club. The family suggests memorials to the Heartland Hospice or the Belle Estate, 1718 11th Avenue Belle Fourche, SD 57717. Pallbearers are Steve Kasparek, Roger Kimball, Daniel LaRue, and Grant Mason. Honorary pallbearers are his nephews and the Friday breakfast club. The funeral will be livestreamed and can be viewed on Larry's obituary page at klinefuneralchapel.com An online guest book and video tribute is available at klinefuneralchapel.com