Mary Larsen

Mary Larsen, 100, of Pierre, SD passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025 at Avera Maryhouse in Pierre, surrounded by her family. Visitation is set for 3:00-5:00pm, with Rosary to start at 5:00pm, Friday, August 15 at Isburg Funeral Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Pierre.

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Mary Agnes Larsen was born on January 20th, 1925, to Francis and Rudolf "Bud" Beck in Milbank, South Dakota. She attended school there and met a boy named Walter Larsen (who would go on to have a major role in Mary's life story). After sixth grade, the Beck family moved to Britton, SD where Mary would graduate from high school. Following graduation, she attended Northern Teachers College in Aberdeen, SD. After receiving her teaching certificate, she taught at Tyndal and Milbank schools.

She reconnected with Walter "Swede" Larsen, and the two started dating. They wed in 1956 and moved to Gettysburg, SD where they had a daughter-Joann, and 11 months later, a son-Michael. In 1959, the family moved to Mobridge, SD. Their third child, Patrick, was born shortly after.

They raised their family and made the Mobridge community their home. Mary was known for her hospitality skills as she hosted large Christmas Eve parties (following midnight mass), fish fries, and backyard barbecues. There was never a shortage of love or food to be shared within her home.

In 1978, Mary and Swede moved to Redfield, SD where she continued to be a substitute teacher and worked at the Developmental Center in the workshop. She enjoyed traveling to Canada and other states over the years.

Mary was a devout Catholic. She lived to love The Lord and was very active in her church. She taught catechism classes, assisted with the living rosary, and helped with any other church needs - even mending clothes for Father Wolff. Mary's daily prayer intentions were long as she never hesitated to include those she loved.

After retirement, Mary experienced devasting loss as she lost her father, her sister-Betty, and her beloved husband-Swede within a one-year timespan. Through her unwavering faith, she was able to carry on in grace as the matriarch of her family.

Next to God, family was the most important part of her life. Mary cared for her mother within her home for many years. She was also the best grandma and made sure to remind her grandchildren how special and loved they are. She sewed blankets and clothes, read magical bedtime stories, and cooked/baked the best dishes for them. Flowers and gardening were Mary's passion, and she spent countless hours in her expansive rose garden.

Mary celebrated her 100th year of life in January of 2025 surrounded by her family. She spent her final days in Pierre, SD where she was visited by family and cared for by loving staff at Maryhouse Nursing Home.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her siblings: brother Dan (Marian) Beck, sister Betty Beck, and brother Larry Beck, granddaughter Stephanie Daschel, and great-granddaughter Regan Harr.

Mary is survived by her children, Joann Larsen of Sioux Falls, SD, Michael (Sharon) Larsen of Pierre, SD and Pat (Jaye) Larsen of Rapid City, SD; and grandchildren Jamie (Laura) Larsen, Sara (Joseph) Von Kennel, Kelsee (Kipp) Stahl, Karli (Justin) Williams, Kirstyn (Tyler) Mattheis, Sidney (Curt) Dugger, and Madison (Joe) Lauzon; as well as 12 great-grandchildren.