Jodi Larabee
February 26, 1977 ~ March 16, 2008
Jodi Larabee, 31, of Pringle and formerly of Gettysburg, passed away, Sunday, March 16, 2008 at her home surrounded by family.
Mass of Christian Burial were held at 3:00p.m., Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gettysburg with burial to follow in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Visitation was held from 1:00-4:00p.m., Tuesday at the Luce Funeral Home in Gettysburg with a 7:00p.m. prayer service at the church.
Jodi Lynn Larabee was born February 26, 1977 to Arthur and Joane (Hagenlock) Beringer in Gettysburg. She grew up in Gettysburg, graduating from Gettysburg High School in 1995. Jodi went on to attend the University of South Dakota in Vermillion where she was a USD Cheerleader, NCA Cheerleader and a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority. She graduated in 1999 with a degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology.
Following her graduation Jodi moved to Custer, SD and began working as a counselor at STAR Academy. On August 28, 2004 she married Wess Larabee in Rapid City. In 2007 she became a Juvenile Corrections Officer for the State of South Dakota.
While living in the Custer area, she was a cheerleading coach for Custer High School where she choreographed many routines and cheers since 2000. She taught dance lessons at the Custer YMCA for 5 years and was a foster parent. Jodi loved to hike and bike all over the Black Hills. She also loved to deer hunt with her husband. She was most proud of her role in the lives of the youth she inspired.
Jodi’s life will be cherished by her husband Wess Larabee and daughter, Zoey, Pringle, SD; parents: Arthur and Joane Beringer, Gettysburg; grandfather: Louis Hagenlock, Gettysburg; two brothers: Eddie Beringer, Gettysburg and Blaine (Melissa) Wilkinson, North Liberty, IA; two sisters, Marisa Beringer and Heather (Dana) Pile and their children Tanner and Megan, Chandler, AZ and her parents-in-law: James and Joanne Larabee, Scotland, SD.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother Rose Hagenlock and paternal grandparents Edward and Blanche Beringer.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg was entrusted with her arrangements.
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Jodi was the finest counselor I have ever seen with our youth at STAR Academy. I had the pleasure of working with her in our group for a couple of years. She earned the respect of the youth, and garnered our respect because of her sincerity, dedication, and commitment.
Jodi was the best friend one could ask for: fun, obnoxious, full of spirit, and holding high expectations. I treasure all of our times together. She dealt with life with an attitude second-to-none, and gave us all so much.
My cousin’s small petite stature belied a gigantic passion for life and people. Long before she had gotten sick, I had more than once told her that she is my hero–beginning with a passion for all she touched, exemplified by her vocation to help kids and her avocation as she invited them into her home and culminating in her courageous battle with cancer. Even our last conversation a few weeks ago wasn’t centered on her suffering but first on Wes and then on her kids at work and upcoming dance recital.
But she didn’t avoid or pretend that her end wasn’t near. She had the peace of the Psalmist who said “Free me from the net they have set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, LORD, faithful God.”
Sunday’s reading included early “the spririt is willing but the flesh is weak” and near the end the words Jesus “gave up his spirit.” I heard those words just a couple of hours after being told Jodi had passed. I was overcome with the realization of how truly Holy Jodi’s walk had been to the end, a walk even shorter than Jesus’.
Wes, Art, Joanne, Blaine, Heather, Marissa, and Eddie, my prayers are with you.
To Heather and the entire Beringer Family: I am so very sorry for your loss. Jodi was such a positive influence in the A-Phi house. She was always smiling. I send you my sincerest sympathies in this difficult time.
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Jodi,our thougths and prayers are with you.
Bart,Carmen Worth
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of loss.
As always. No words can express the emotions that are being felt. Jodi was a great person. Wes, you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong and keep her in your heart. To Jodi’s Family Remember her and always be proud of her. take care and courage
Her motto was to always keep “Pep in your Step” and her spirit will not be forgotton.
I worked with Jodi for over six years in the YCC/LCA program. She set a standard that we all worked toward. It was such a pleasure to work closely with her in the Survivor Group that we created for the boys who were survivors of abuse. In appearance Jodi and I were complete opposites, I imagine it was comical for the boys when we would walk into a group room together. Jodi put her whole heart into working with the boys and because of that she reached and made a difference with many. It was such a pleasure and honor to work so closely with her. She will always be in my heart and I thank her for playing a role in creating who I have become professionally.
Thank you Jodi
I’ve worked with Jodi at STAR for many years. I know she made an incredible difference in the lives of many youth.
We all witnessed her amazing strength and ability to live life.
Now she is free to dance in the stars and shine, lighting the way for us all! I am blessed to have known her!
Love and Light,
Jonna
Jodi touched our lives as we watched her on stage with children “dancing their hearts out” under her direction. We saw her lovingly assist our grand-daughter at 3 and 4 take her position. Now at 5, Zoe knows that her encouraging instructor is in position, as she dances before the Lord in her own recital and looks down with love from above. She will be missed.
Jodi was a great woman and will be missed dearly. Just remember she will always be with us; watching over our every step and guiding us in the right direction. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Jodi will be missed by all she came into contact with. She was and will always be an example of what a true human being ought to be. My thoughts and prayers are with all her family and friends. Heaven has truly received an angel.
My heart and prayers are with Jodi’s family. She had a strong and vital warmth that shone bright. Jodi will be missed much by the many blessed to have known her. She lived a big life in a little time.
I will continue to be inspired by her grace and courage.
My heart goes out to Wes and Jodi’s family. Jodi was a very special person in so many ways. She always had a smile even when the rest of us couldn’t. In the last few years I worked at STAR in the Personnel Office I got to know Jodi very well and she never gave up. I remember telling her to stay home and take care of herself and she would say this is where she needed to be, the boys needed her. My granddaughter was in her dance class for several years and she did a wonderful job with them. Jodi will be our guardian angel, that is what she has always done for others. Wess, I know there is nothing that can help your pain except time.
My sincere sympathy to your families. Jodi’s example of courage, grace and spirit of goodness will linger in the hearts who knew her. There will be another day…
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. You have my sincerest sympathy.
Phillip Schorg
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I got to know Jodi these past two years by working with her. I have never known a stronger person and positive person as Jodi. She was such a wonderful person and I was blessed that God allowed me to get to know her.
Our sincere sympathy to Wes and to Jodi’s families on the loss of a great lady. Our kids took dance classes from Jodi for the past five years and we were blessed by her love of dance and of children. She was not only a talented dancer, but she was so patient, kind, & loving to all the children. We will be forever grateful for inspiring the love of dance to not only our kids, but to many children of Custer. Our school district was fortunate to have her as a cheer coach for many years, and to share her talent with many Custer High School students. There is now an angel dancing and cheering in heaven. May God bless you all and heal your broken hearts. Paul, Jennie, Luke and Lizzie Anderson
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jodie’s families. She was definitely a fighter. It seems like yesterday that we were watching her cheer at games in Gettysburg. May God be with you and your families during this time of sorrow.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Jodi taught me dance in Faulkton when she was in high school. I love dance and still remember what she taught me. May God bless you and your family.
Kayla and Slade Roseland
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of loss. Jodi was always such a positive person.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family in this time of grief. Jodi will be missed.
The world has lost a wonderful person but Heaven has gained a wonderful Angel. You are in my prayers.
To the Beringer family and to Wes and Zoey:
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. I went to high school and graduated with Jodi. Even though we did not talk or see much of each other after graduation, I still consider her a good friend. It sounds as though she led a great life and was doing what she wanted to do. She will be missed. May God continue to bless you at this time.
To the Beringer Family, I am so sorry to hear of your daughters passing. She was always a fun person to run with in high school. I remember all the times that she would hang out with Jessica and all the girls. I also remember watching her cheer at the games and everyone wanted to be a cheerleader just like Jodi. All of us younger girls admired her so. I will keep your family in my prayers.
take care
Nick,Rebecca(Westphal), Austin, Leanne,Katelyn,Mandy Jo Vanhorn
We are so sorry to hear about Jodi’s passing. As you know, she held a very precious place in our lives and especially in the life of my daughter, Morgan. Her courage and inspiration will never be forgotten. She will always be remembered and missed in our lives. I am so grateful for having known her for the past 5 years that Morgan has been in dance and being able to develop a personal friendship with her as well. She truly was an amazing person and she taught us so many things about life. We pray that God will continue to bring all of you peace, comfort and strength.
We are thinking of and praying for you during this time. You have been in our hearts and thoughts for a long while and will stay there always. May you find peace and be surrounded with all of the love your friends and family can provide.
Jodi was a beautiful woman with an even more beautiful soul and will be dearly missed.May the Lord Bless you all-
Wes and Family,
We are thinking of you… and lifting you up with our prayers.
Wes,
Teri and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. My God be with you and your family during this time of need.
God Bless,
Jeff & Teri Kramer
Wess, Zoey and all of Jodi’s family,
I am so sorry to hear of Jodi’s passing. I worked at STAR for 4 years and met Jodi there. She was quiet but yet so patient and kind with everyone around her. She certainly had a gift with the juveniles there.
I hope that you find comfort and joy in all the memories that you have of Jodi.
She will undoubtedly be missed.
Arthur, Eddie and family, I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dear Art and Joane:
We are so deeply sorry to hear of Jodi’s passing. We have just read her obituary and she was a beautiful girl with so much talent and intelligence. Her family and your family are remembered in our thoughts and prayers. What a tragic loss for all of you.
We know your hearts are aching and we will pray for strength for all of you during this difficult time.
Joanne and Chuck
I am so very sorry to hear of Jodi’s passing. I just thought of her a few weeks ago…we share the same birthday. I’ll always remember her as Heather’s little sister that used to “bug us” during sleep-overs!! I used to wish that she was my little sister :)…
Joane and family — I wish you blessings of many happy memories of Jodi and know that your all in my thoughts and prayers and I think of you often. Take care and I hope to see you soon.
Love JUDY
Joanne, Art, and family,
Pat, Rachel, Kathleen, and I are so very sad. Please know that we are thinking of you and praying for all of you – praying that God’s comfort is holding you together. We love you all, even though we have always been so far away.
Love, Lori
Jodi,
When I met you, I thought wow what a sweet and strong person. I didn’t think that the two really went together but you made them fit together so well. Thanks for letting me get to know you and learn from you just how special life really is. “Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance…And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance.” Jodi we are all so blessed because you taught us to all dance through life. Thank you. I will miss you.
my thoughts and prayers are with the family. i haven’t seen jodi since college, but remember her spirit well! i loved the tribute and thought it showed her love of life- and always a smile on her face! God Bless, Lexi (Schuurmans) Petrick
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jodi’s family at this difficult time.
The world is a much cheerier place because of Jodi.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Many memories will be cherished. Our sympathies.
We are so sad to hear from Brad of you loss. We know you have a firm faith that will see you through this time of loss. We want to extend our condolences to you and let you know our prayers and thought are with you. Your many memories will always be there to bring comfort in the times of feeling sad and lonely. May God’s kind comfort be yours.
Curt and Marian
We are thinking about you in this difficult time. We hope you can find peace in the good memories shared with Jodi. Like many, I too can remember sitting in the stands and watching Jodi cheer. I was also one of the little girls wishing I could be just like her!
Weare so sorry . that Jodie is gone Weshare with you the grief . I will be there in thouhts and in prayers with you all at this time. Love to all the family Aunt Ellen
Wes and family we are all thinking about you!
Ann (Wickersham) LaBeau told me about Jodi’s passing. I am so sorry to here about your loss. I can remember Ann and Jodi teaching me how to “cheer” when I was in grade school. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless, Tara
I am so glad that I got a chance to know Jodi. She is forever the most selfless, caring, loving, honest, and most beautiful woman, I have ever met. I lvoed working with her. Jodi, be at peace.
I am so saddened with the news about Jodi’s passing. I was and A-Phi and cheered with Jodi in college (my maiden name is Lueken) and I have been following Jodi’s story for quite some time. I am so sorry for your loss and would have been at the funeral it I didn’t have my aunt’s on the same day.
The video you made was a fabulous tribute to her life. Jodi always had a smile on her face, as evidenced by the pictures. As a mother of 2, I cannot imagine what it must be like to lose a child…and I am so sorry that anyone would have to experience that.
My memories with Jodi are of the cheerleading days. Those were great times! Jodi was always the little one, so she was at the top of all of the stunts. She was also the one to push the team to improve, and we did.
With Easter approaching I hope you have comfort in remembering that Jesus rose again, and because of his resurrection we have eternal life if we believe in Him. I’ll be praying for your family…once again I’m deeply sorry about Jodi. She was an incredible and unique woman!
Jaime (Lueken) Ness
Jericka started dance classes when Jodi started them at the YMCA in Custer. She was just 4 years old. Jericka loved dancing and Jodi worked so well with all the children. Now she will teach the children in Heaven how to dance. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family in their time of loss. God Bless.
Joane,
I am so sorry to hear about your daughter. Just know she is pain-free, peaceful and in the presence of our Lord God. You and your family are in my prayers.
Joane, Arthur, and family,
Sorry to hear that you lost Jodi. Lynn and I are thinking of you and know that it hurts.
In time it will be easier to share the good times you had with Jodi. Memories our gifts from God, and with that Jodi will stay alive in your hearts.
My name is Larryssa and im 17. I am a cheerleader that Jodi coached for three years. She made a great influence on my life. I miss her so much and she will forever be in my heart. Thank you to everyone who shared her with me, and Im truely sorry for what you must be going through.
To Joane, Art, and all of Jodi’s family, please know that though we are far from you, our thoughts and prayers are constantly with you. The video was truly touching and through it we could see that Jodi did more in her 31 years to serve others and glorify God that most people accomplish in a life time. Our love to you all.
We will remember Jodi forever for her great smile and caring attitude for others. We will miss her deeply and will keep you all in our prayers. Take care….
Wes and family, I was so sorry and stunned to hear both of Jodi’s illness and her passing. I haven’t seen her since college but just thinking of her brought back many happy memories. The video played tribute to her fun, bubbly and infectious personality.My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. God Bless…Jennifer Bietz
I am sorry to hear of Jodi’s passing. My thoughts are with you.
I am very sorry to hear of Jodi’s passing. I was an Alpha Phi with her at USD. I was much younger than Jodi but I remember always looking up to her. Jodi was popular for the right reasons – she was a friendly and kind person, she treated everyone with respect, she was positive and optimistic, she made everyone feel good about themselves, and (this is what I remember most) she always had a smile on her face.
My thoughts and sympathies are with her family. Jodi was a wonderful person. God Bless.
Nicole (Soukup) Gall
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time.
Wes, Art, Joanne and family-
What a beautiful and radiant smile Jodi had. She will truly be missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Jeff, Kendall and girls
Art, Joanne and Family,
There are no words to express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. May God give you the strength to make it through this very difficult time.
God Bless,
Susan (Hericks) Ust
I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Jodi was a wonderful person and she will be missed greatly.
Jodi will be missed by so many. She was an absolutely beautiful person, inside and out. We will never forget her and how brave and strong she was. The world was a better place for having her. Our love to you all. The Merrill Family
My heart hurts with you, this has got to be the hardest goodbye we are asked to face. We know that she is free now, surrounded by love and peace. We however; have to walk through the days ahead, waiting to heal. Surround yourself with as many grandbabies as you can, treasure every moment. May you feel HIS presence, and HIS arms holding you when you don’t feel able. Sending you love; Rosemary
To Jodi’s family, We will miss Jodi very much. She was a JCA to couple of girls at our home.And also taught our granddaughter ShayAnna in dance. Jodi was always bubbly and very out going. She never complained about anything.She was very good at her job. We will miss her deeply. May God be with you at this time.
Jodi will be the Guardian Angel for us all! Love Jon, Julia,Tashina, Blaisey and Zade Steed
I am so very sorry to hear of Jodi’s passing. She certainly was a blessing to many while here on this Earth. I remember her as a sweet little petite thing with a great big smile on her face. May her memory live on forever in your hearts and minds. May the good Lord hold you close during this difficult time.
Jodi was a remarkable young woman who
was very dedicated to her job as a
counselor for troubled young people.
She will be greatly missed by all
who knew her.
I was truely heartbroken to hear of the loss of Jodi. She truely was a kind spirit. I have not seen her since college but my memories are filled with smiles and laughs. To her family, I send my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
One life, many lives are touched. Our sympathy to your family.
Sorry for the lose, you are in our prayers.
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your beautiful family member. As I played and watched the video I pondered on the rich, full, vibrant life this loved one of yours lived. She lived life to the fullest!
Our prayers are with you at this difficult time. May you feel God’s loving strong arms hold you near Him and may you feel the comfort and strength he offers.
Sending all of our love and prayers,
Alfred and Carol Reuer
I knew Jodi for a short time, but just getting to know her made me happy because i never met anyone who was so devoted to her work, and even when cancer hit her hard she kept going to work until she could go no more. She has a very special place in my heart, as well as others. She is deeply and greatly missed…
Our prayers go out to all of Jodi’s family…her life was a beautiful example of Christ’s love in action.
Joane & Art,
God blessed Jodi with YOU as her parents; that’s evident in the dynamic Christian woman that she became.
Our hearts embrace the love & the hurt that you have endured.
Know that you are VERY special to us.Love in Christ, Roger&Bonnie
Thinking of you today and hoping you are resting in peace…you are missed by many – I’m sure you already know that though 🙂 Happy Birthday to us 🙂 !!
Shawna