Laurence Byrum

Laurence Byrum, 87, of Onida, passed away September 10, 2025
Memorial Visitation: 5:00-6:00pm, Monday, September 15, 2025 at the Onida First Presbyterian Church
Prayer Service: 6:00pm, Monday, September 15, 2025 at the Onida First Presbyterian Church
Memorial Service: 10:00am, Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at the Onida First Presbyterian Church CLICK HERE to watch Laurence's Memorial Service.
Laurence Elroy Byrum, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025, in Gettysburg, South Dakota. Born on January 16, 1938, in Onida, South Dakota, to Oliver and Edith (Cain) Byrum, Laurence was a man whose life was as rich and bountiful as the land he so lovingly cultivated.
Raised in the rural setting of western Sully County, Troy Township, Laurence attended Troy School and graduated from Onida High School in 1956. His early years on the family farm instilled in him a deep appreciation for the earth and the fruits of honest, hard work. On April 10, 1955, Laurence married his beloved wife, Karen Rivenes, and together they embarked on a life filled with love, laughter, and the joy of raising their four children: Brad (Barbara), Greg, Mark (Sue), and Holly (Todd).
A devoted father, Laurence taught his children the love of rural life and the art of raising and caring for livestock, with horses holding a special place in his heart. His passion extended to his work as he farmed and ranched in Troy Township, cultivating Hereford and Simmental cattle with the same care and dedication he bestowed upon his family.
Laurence's love for the outdoors was not limited to farming. He owned a hunting camp in western Sully County, where he forged lifelong friendships with people from coast to coast. His enthusiasm for hunting, particularly Canadian geese, waterfowl, and pheasants, was contagious, and he took great delight in sharing this passion with his children and great-grandchildren. Many in his family fondly remember shooting their first deer or fowl with Laurence by their side, guiding them with patience and expertise.
Beyond his outdoor pursuits, Laurence was also an accomplished author, penning two books, "The Goose Hunters" and "Goose Hunters I've Known," which captured the essence of his experiences and the camaraderie of the sport he so loved. His support for local sports was unwavering, particularly for Sully Buttes, and he was known as an avid watcher of their sporting events.
A man of deep faith, Laurence was committed to his Lord Jesus Christ and the church he and Karen were members of for 70 years. He served as a Sunday School Teacher and Elder, finding solace and strength in reading his Bible and offering prayers for many throughout his lifetime. His desire for all to be well and to know Jesus was a testament to his unwavering spirit and kindness.
Laurence Byrum was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word, and it has been said that our loss is indeed heaven's gain. Best known as a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Laurence loved greatly and was greatly loved in return. His legacy is one of compassion, friendship, and an enduring love for his family and community.
Preceded in death by his parents, siblings Lois Byrum, Mable Hanson, Alice Neal, Oliver Byrum, and Mildred Byrum, and his great-great-grandson Briar Curtis Byrum, Laurence leaves behind his wife Karen, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who will continue to honor his memory by living out the values he cherished.