72

June 29

Hartford

Larry grew up on the Alderson homestead west of Wall Lake. Starting his education in a one room schoolhouse, graduating from Hartford High School in 1966 and then with a B.S. in Animal Science from SDSU in 1971.  

While in Brookings, he met the love of his life, Joyce Paulsen, and they were wed in Pipestone, MN on June 12th, 1971. Larry and Joyce settled on the homestead as the third-generation farming and raising children. Three girls, followed by a boy, came between 1974 and 1982. Laura, Beth, Amy and Brian were Larry’s pride and joy. 

Along with watching his children grow, Larry spent his time serving the community as a 60-year member of the Hartford United Methodist Church serving on multiple committees, Sunday school teacher and choir member, the West Central School Board, an Honorary Member of FFA and an avid supporter of 4-H. He was a proud, 12th generation member of the Mayflower Society and was so pleased to induct his 11 grandchildren into the Society as Junior Members this past Thanksgiving. His heritage and building a legacy of hard work and appreciation for the land was an important part of his life.

In his free time, Larry enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, planting trees, refinishing 2-cylinder tractors, woodworking, model trains and searching for a great deal he couldn’t pass up. He loved attending his children and grandchildren’s events, from sports to showing livestock – dad/grandpa was always there in support. 

In his later years, he and Joyce traveled across several states by car, bus, train and boat from Alaska to the east coast, always stating that he was never lost as there was a road to travel – often the one less traveled being on their route. Known for belting out “King of the Road,” a quick-witted response and much appreciated advice.

Larry’s wisdom and love will be greatly missed by his wife of 49 years, Joyce of Hartford; daughters, Laura Nordlund of Salem, Beth (Jason) Fiddelke of Dell Rapids, Amy (Philip) Schmidt of Alden, Minn; son, Brian (Erin) Alderson of Hartford; 11 grandchildren, Jackson, Brock and Max Nordlund; Ellie, Kylee and Kaitlyn Fiddelke; Layne, Cortney and Clayton Schmidt; Evan and Lincoln Alderson; sister, Carol (Doug) Roe of Gillette, Wyo.; and nephews, Mike and Rob. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Alice and in-laws, Ted and Gladys Paulsen.

Private services for the immediate family will be live-streamed at 10 a.m. Friday on the Facebook page of Hartford United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Hartford United Methodist Church.

Arrangements provided by Miller Funeral Home.