Sena Mae Lauritsen

Sena Lauritsen, 79, of Wood, SD passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Facility. A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025 at 10:00AM at the Wood Community Hall. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery near Wood. Visitation will be held one hour prior to memorial service.

Sena was born on July 4th, 1946, to Herman and Zella Larsen. That's right – she was a firecracker from day one. She had five sisters; Beverly, Phyllis, Evelyn, Pat and Mary. They all grew up in Todd County until her parents sold the ranch and moved to Tripp County. Sena attended Winner High School and graduated in 1964. She went on to Southern State College and graduated with a secretarial degree in 1965.

During her senior year, she was helping her dad deliver a Hereford bull to the Lauritsen ranch in Wood, SD. She said many times that when Dennis saw her leading the bull with a halter he was impressed and that's how their relationship started. Sena and Dennis were married October 23, 1965. Sena and Dennis were blessed with two sons; Russell and Ronald. She was thrilled to be a wife and mother.

Sena always said that God granted her many blessings in life, but none as fulfilling as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her favorite memories with grandkids include cooking, fishing, sewing, vacations and just being with them.

Sena believed that a community gives to you and that you should take part in your community. She loved helping out in the Wood and White River communities. She was a member of many organizations in her lifetime and met and made many lifelong friends.

Along with the importance of family and community, Sena placed a high value on her many friends. She was generally the life of the party, and the stories that have come out over the last few days had definitely put a smile on her face.

Sena spent many a time playing pitch and darts, reading, sewing, making jelly, and of course baking. Growing up poor, she somehow always put a delicious meal on the table.

Sena believed that if you were lucky enough to have your family nearby and some very good friends then God has truly blessed you.

Sena is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Russ and Gloria, Ron and Pam. Grandchildren; Daniel, Sara (Justin) Alexis (Brandon) and Katelyn, great-grandchildren; Dennis, Camryn, Hudson and Griffin, sister Mary (Jerry) Fisher, brother-in-law Richard (Cyndi) Lauritsen, many nieces, nephews, and dear friend Julie Hall, who Sena considered a daughter.

Sena was preceded in death by her husband Dennis, her parents Herman and Zella Larsen, sisters; Beverly, Evelyn (Guy) Farley, Phyllis (Delbert) Paulson, Pat (Glen) Clausen, her great-granddaughter Rebeca Mae Nelsen and many special uncles, aunts, and cousins.

If you're sitting at the kitchen table at the Lauritsen Ranch, you'll see a sign that all of us truly believe in: "If you're lucky enough to be at the ranch, then you're lucky enough."

In lieu of flowers the family will direct memorials to the Evergreen Cemetery.