Alma H. Larson

Funeral Services for Alma Larson, 80, of Gregory, SD were held on Friday, September 7, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Gregory with Pastor Jared Nies officiating. Visitation and prayer services were held Thursday evening at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory. Music was provided by Tim and Jan Larson singing "Amazing Grace" accompanied by Leanne Sinclair, organist. Congregational songs were "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "A Mighty Fortress is Our God". Sarah Petersek and Ashton Smith were in charge of registration. Jody Smith and Pam Dreyer were flower attendants. Casket bearers were Donald Larson, Vernon Larson, Tim Larson, Tom Larson, Roger Larson, Lon Dreyer, and Jim Smith. Honorary casket bearers were all of Alma's nieces and nephews. Interment was in the Vivian Cemetery in Vivian, SD. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Alma Helen Larson was born May 21,1932 to Darwin and Christine (Syvertsen) Larson on the farm north of Vivian. Alma was baptized as a baby and later confirmed in her faith at the Lutheran Church in Vivian. As a youngster, Alma was very shy and a quiet girl but this all changed in high school where she was active in many extra-curricular activities. She graduated from Vivian High School in 1951, and then she traveled to the big city of Denver to attend a trade school. In Denver she studied business and secretarial science and worked for an airline and a real estate office. She returned to her beloved South Dakota and began her first career in state government as an employee and then Deputy Secretary of State when Essie Wiedenman was elected. In 1964 Ms. Larson was elected as South Dakota's 22nd Secretary of State and was re-elected in '66, '68 and '70. She was one of the top vote getters in South Dakota. After retiring from government, she and Janice Wolf opened a business called Milady's Shoppe in Gregory, SD, which they operated for the next twenty-two years. Alma was active in her church, St. John Lutheran, local Commercial Club, her golfing, and most importantly the Republican Party. She died September 2, 2012 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Center at the age of 80 years. Alma had nine siblings, and she is survived by her business partner Janice Wolf of Gregory – a brother Olaf and four of her sisters: Clara – Gladys – Alice – and Josephine, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as a "million" friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers: Edwin and Melvin and two sisters: Emma and Laura.