-
Alt Text for Image
Dean Richard Larson, aged 71, passed away at his home on August 4th, 2024. He was the first-born child of Eleanor (Johanesen) & Harold Larson, and was welcomed into the world on August 23rd, 1952 in Slayton, Minnesota. In 1958, his sister Julie (Bonnstetter) was born and they all resided in Hadley, Minnesota. Dean was a member of the Slayton High School class of 1970. He later attended classes at Willmar Technical College for welding and machine work.
Dean had three children; Mitchell (35), Kristina (33), and Ann (31) who all grew up in the home Dean’s grandfather, Karl Johanesen, built in Hadley. Dean owned and operated Larson Welding & Machine in Slayton for over 30 years and ran the business up until his death.
Dean spent many years of his career dedicated to building bridges, operating heavy equipment, welding, trucking, and was a crane operator with the Local 49ers Union. Dean also served on the Murray County School Board for several years and participated in many events through the Sons of the American Legion and the Legion Riders.
Dean loved meeting up with his closest friends every weekend to have breakfast and discuss the daily happenings. He was an incredible friend, master of the Special K bar, and was always able to answer questions you might have about cars.
He is preceded in death by his parents Eleanor & Harold Larson. Dean leaves behind his children Mitchell(Jenna), Kristina, & Ann(Brian) and 5 grandchildren; Jackson(12), Ellie (9), Maddox (7), Isadora (13), and Luna (7). He is also survived by his sister Julie (Bonnstetter), nieces Olivia (Lewis) and Nicole (Johnson) and their families.
Dean was funny, kind, helpful, stubborn, and will always be known as “quite a character”. He always had a story or joke to share and he always had a handful of chocolates or a pan of Special K bars to share with those he loved. He also had a true love of Motown’s soulful music and had seen The Temptations in concert over 5 times. In fact, if you ever stepped inside Larson Welding & Machine, you’d be greeted by the sounds of 98.7 Oldies radio, his favorite dog Ruby, and a couple of cats.
Dean would often say, you either hated him or loved him, in part because he always let you know how he felt and where he stood. If you were one of the lucky folks who loved him, please join Dean’s family and close friends in a Celebration of Life which will be held at the Grain Exchange on Friday August 16th from 12-4pm.
In lieu of flowers for this celebration, please make donations to the Sioux Falls Humane Society in memory of Dean and his love for all animals, especially his cats. Donations can be made directly through their website.
