Don Lee Larson, 77 of Pollock, SD passed away peacefully March 17, 2025 in his sleep after a busy day of roaring around the farm on his new Gator checking for gophers and tinkering around on several projects throughout the day. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held March 26, 2025 at 10:30 am at Pollock Memorial Presbyterian Church, Pollock, SD. Burial will be held at the North Dakota Veteran Cemetery, Mandan, ND, Thursday, March 27, 2025

Don was born January 15, 1948 to Engolf and Edna (Conway) Larson in Mobridge, SD. He was the third of four boys. He grew up on the family farm south of Pollock. He attended grade school in a one room schoolhouse and graduated from Pollock High School in 1965. After graduating he worked for area farmers and attended SDSU in Brookings. During that time he volunteered for the draft and served two tour of duties in the Republic of Vietnam from 1967-1969 with the Blackhorse 11th Armored Calvary, A Troop finishing his army career as a Staff Seargent serving as an armored cavalry assault vehicle commander. On January 11, 1969, just days before his 21st birthday and as a "short timer" just before his return to the US he volunteered to go out on a mine sweeping operation due to an injury in the squadron. On their return they were ambushed and were losing ground. Sargent Larson launched a one-man assault on the advancing enemy soldiers and received the Silver Star for his gallantry in actions. Upon his return to the US he worked for John Van Beek on his farm.

Later that year he married Patricia Vander Wal and moved to the Minneapolis area to work for General Mills. He felt there was more to life than working in a factory, so they moved to Brookings to attend SDSU again. This still didn't seem the right fit and when the opportunity arose to begin farming they packed up their trailer home and pulled it across the state to the Vander Wal family farm just across the border in North Dakota. In 1974 they were able to establish their own home place southwest of the family farm where they raised their children Jason (DeAnn) and Amy with the same work ethic and love of the farm as they had.

Don was admired and loved by many. He served his community through the years on the Union School Board, as a local Election Judge, and the Emmons County Weed Board.

Don was the proud Grandpa to Sabrina (Zac) Busser, Ben and Mary Dykema, Chance, Sterling, and Kynlee Larson and Great-Grandpa to Ruth and Fletcher Busser. Don is survived by his wife of 55 years, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His brothers Quentin (Lori) and Howard (Kiyoko).

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Ernie.