Bettie Larsen

Bettie Leone Larsen, 94, formerly of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away peacefully with family at her side on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home in Viborg, SD. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am Monday, September 22, 2025, at Abiding Savior Free Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, SD followed by burial at Rosehill Cemetery, Parker, SD. Visitation with family present will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements by Hofmeister Jones Funeral Home.

Bettie was born March 22, 1931, to Arthur and Leona (Smith) Jones at her parent’s farm north of Parker, South Dakota. She grew up on the farm and attended country schools until graduating from Parker High School in 1949. Following graduation, she obtained a teaching degree while attending college at General Beadle in Madison, SD and Sioux Falls College in Sioux Falls, SD. Bettie loved her time as “Miss Jones,” teaching children in Turner County country schools. While at a St Patrick’s Day dance in 1953, she met Gene Larsen, who she would say was the handsomest man ever. That same year the two married on December 27, at First English Lutheran in Parker. In the early years of their marriage, they farmed near Parker and then Viborg. They left the farm, and with two small children at the time, they moved to California. Family was greatly missed and so they returned to South Dakota one year later. No matter where Gene and Bettie lived, whether it be Brandon, SD, summers at their Lake Poinsett cabin, winters in Arizona at Silverridge RV Resort, Lake Madison, SD and other homes throughout their life together, Bettie filled each one with love and special family traditions.

Through the years, Bettie’s love of teaching continued as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, a Brownie and Cub Scout leader and a piano teacher. Music gave Bettie joy in her daily life. She and Gene enjoyed going to dances. Her rich alto voice, while playing the piano, was often what visitors heard upon entering their home. Bettie’s favorite past times were sewing, knitting, and crocheting. Over the years, family and friends benefited from the many clothes, mittens, blankets, slippers, crocheted doilies and tablecloths she created. They knew these cherished keepsakes were without a doubt stitched with love. Bettie also enjoyed nature and the outdoors. Helping her dad with farmwork as a young girl, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, camping, back yard bird watching and travelling in a motorhome with Gene were activities she took pleasure in. Sports were a large part of Bettie’s life too. Having played softball with her sisters while growing up, she gained a lifetime love and loyalty for the Minnesota Twins. Bettie told her family often that they were her greatest blessings and spending time with them was a priority for her. Whether it was a phone call or a visit, she was a constant presence in their lives. She showed her love by attending and cheering them on in their activities, celebrating them in their life events, making holidays and birthdays extra special, having freshly baked cookies for the grandchildren, and in these last years, choosing gifts from the bingo cart for the great grandchildren. Bettie loved unconditionally. Her family knew she was their biggest prayer warrior. Above everything in her life her faith in God was most important to her. It was the foundation of how she lived. Her bibles are filled with highlighted verses and notes. She was rooted in prayer and put all of her trust in God. Bettie lived a full life with patience and grace.

Grateful for having shared her life include her children, Debbie Kleeman of West Des Moines, IA, Kristi (Joe) Lloyd of Inwood, IA, David Larsen of Volga, SD, Lisa (Chris) Thomas of Yankton, SD; Daughter-In-Law, Lisa Larsen of Larchwood, IA; 15 grandchildren: Jennifer Kleeman, Matt Kleeman, Andy Kleeman, Tanner Larsen, Lance Schreurs, Luke Larsen, Erin Larsen, Blake Lloyd, Kacie Cunningham, Levi Larsen, Dane Larsen, Silas Larsen, Chloe Larsen, Jacob Thomas, Betsy Semmler; 24 Great-Grandchildren. Bettie was preceded in death by Gene, her loving husband of 71 years, her parents, son Charlie Larsen, son-in-law Joe Kleeman, a brother Dale “Doc” (Eloise) Jones, sisters Ellen (Art) Berg, Ruth (Peter) Gortmaker, Arlene Gates, Marilyn (Jerry) Davis.

Thank you to all the special people at Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home and AseraCare Hospice who provided such loving care to Bettie and her family. You are a blessing!