Larry R. Fuller

Larry R. Fuller, age 82, of Clitherall, Minn., died peacefully Monday, January 26, 2026, at his home on Clitherall Lake surrounded by his loving family after a brief, brave battle with cancer.

With a smile that lit up a room, Larry was a hard-working, fun-loving man who touched the lives of many with his friendly, outgoing nature.

A celebration of life will take place Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Welter Funeral Home. Family and friends are welcome to gather between 1 and 4 p.m. A memorial service with Masonic rites will begin at 2 p.m.

Larry Robert Fuller was born December 23, 1943, at Sprague Hospital in Huron, S.D., to Robert and Viola (Parkhurst) Fuller. He was the second of six children born to this union. Larry was baptized and confirmed at the Bonilla Presbyterian Church in Bonilla, S.D.

He grew up on the Fuller family farm two miles east of Bonilla, milking cows, raising pigs and cultivating crops. The farm has been in the Fuller family for nearly 125 years. Throughout his life, Larry remained devoted to the farm, always quick to help with chores and use his electrician and handyman skills to maintain the house and outbuildings. He beamed while leading his grandsons on their first horseback rides there.

Larry attended Bonilla School, graduating from high school in 1962. He excelled in basketball and track for the Bonilla Eagles.

On February 24, 1963, he married his high school sweetheart, Connie Carson, at First Presbyterian Church in Wolsey, S.D. They were married for 62 years. The couple made their first home together in Wolsey. While there, they welcomed daughter Sherry in March 1964 and daughter Darcy in September 1966.

After working for Huron Well Drilling and the Beadle County Highway Department, Larry joined Northwestern Public Service Company (now NorthWestern Energy) in January 1965 as a maintenance and serviceman in the Wolsey office. In June 1970, he transferred to Chamberlain, S.D., as a journeyman electric serviceman. In April 1973, he accepted a promotion to become the town superintendent in Armour, S.D. He eventually became the district superintendent, overseeing Northwestern’s operations in Armour, Corsica and Stickney. Larry retired in August 2000, drawing to a close his accomplished 35-year career with Northwestern. For the next 20 years, he worked part time as an independent electrician who was always in demand due to his attention to detail and quality workmanship.

In 2005, Larry and Connie moved to a small acreage on Clitherall Lake in Minnesota, where Connie’s family has had a cabin since 1947. For 20 years, they wintered in Lake Havasu City, Ariz.

Throughout the years, Larry and Connie were members of the Wolsey Presbyterian Church, the United Church of Christ in Chamberlain and the United Church of Christ (now Armour Community Church) in Armour. Larry held numerous church leadership roles throughout the years.

He was a member of Masonic Lodge (Arcania Lodge No. 97) in Armour, the Scottish Rite in Yankton, S.D., and the El Riad Shrine in Sioux Falls, S.D. For many years, he enjoyed working the Shrine Circus in Mitchell, S.D.

A dedicated community member and public servant, Larry left a lasting impact. During his 32 years in Armour, he was active and held multiple leadership roles in several organizations, including the Jaycees and Armour Community Club. In 1982, he was the charter president of the Armour Lions Club and was instrumental in developing the Armour Lions Park along U.S. Highway 281.

He was elected to the Armour School Board in 1975. His nine-year stint on the school board included time as president. In 1985, Larry was elected mayor of Armour and served 10 years in the position. He was proud to be mayor during Armour’s Centennial Celebration in 1986.

Larry lived by the mantra “work hard, play hard.” His strong work ethic served as a model to all who knew him. He was always ready to lend a hand. No matter the task, he was committed to quality work and doing it right the first time. This also was evident in his hobbies, one of which was gardening – perhaps better described as hobby farming. A classic “you can’t take the farm out of the boy” example, Larry loved to plant, weed and harvest his crops. He took great pride in his gardens and happily shared his bounty.

An avid outdoorsman, Larry spent ample time fishing on the Missouri River, Clitherall Lake and Lake Havasu, as well as hunting a variety of wildlife. He was an excellent marksman and regularly shot trap in Armour; Lake Havasu; and Henning, Minn. He was an enthusiastic member of the Armour Gun Club.

For many years, Connie joined Larry in his fishing, hunting and trapshooting pursuits. The couple bonded over many shared interests. For nearly 25 years, they enjoyed woodworking and crafting together. Their creations were always a hit at craft shows they traveled to throughout South Dakota and Minnesota.

Larry and Connie were a captivating couple to watch on the dance floor, especially when jitterbugging to Elvis’ “Blue Suede Shoes” or Waylon’s “Good Hearted Woman.” No matter where they lived, Larry and Connie were quick to make friends, with Larry cheerfully inviting people for happy hour to share cocktails, stories and laughs.

Larry was overjoyed to add the title of “grandpa” to his name when grandsons Will (1995) and Beau (1998) were born. Teaching his grandsons and sharing experiences with them were among the highlights of Larry’s life. Summers at Clitherall Lake were extra special for the family. Memories of fishing, swimming, pontoon rides, and Fourth of July fireworks with Larry will be forever cherished.

Larry is survived by his wife, Connie; daughters Sherry (David) Fuller Bordewyk of Brookings, S.D., and Darcy Fuller (Kelly Mohr) of Henning, Minn.; grandsons Will (Abbie) Bordewyk of Louisville, Ky., and Beau Bordewyk of Austin, Texas; sisters Linda (Herb) Widmer of Madras, Ore., Rosemary (Bob) Berg of Pierre, S.D., Cindy (Pat) Waligoske of Brookings, S.D., Jill (Scott) Gehl of St. Michael, Minn.; sisters-in-law Marge (Wade) Fuller of Hitchcock, S.D., and Linda Payer of Bismarck, N.D.; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; and countless friends.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; brother Wade Fuller; parents-in-law Donald M. and Hazel G. Carson; brothers- and sisters-in law Donald E. Carson, Carol and Sherrill Spencer, and Mary Ethel and Bill Houck.

His hard-working hands at rest, Larry leaves a legacy of laughter, loyalty and love.

Condolences may be sent to Connie Fuller, PO Box 112, Clitherall, MN 56524.