Lawrence Joseph Aesoph “Larry, LJ, Big Lar”, 75, of Orient, passed away Monday, August 17, 2026, doing what he loved, being on his farm, leaving a legacy of affection, devotion, dedication, and hard work.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, August 24, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Orient, with Fr. John Short presiding. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Orient. A wake service will be 4:00 p.m., Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the church, with visitation one hour prior.
Larry was born to Moses and Ruby (Chambers) Aesoph on February 28, 1951, in Faulkton, SD. Larry attended school in Faulkton, SD. After graduation, he went to work on the four generation family farm. Larry took a fancy to Sandy Martinmaas. The two were united in marriage on September 22, 1973. Larry and Sandy were blessed with seven children. They raised them on the farm, teaching them life lessons, including the love of God, family unity, the love of country, and hard work. They have been blessed with eleven grandchildren. Larry loved all of his grandchildren, and his face lit up when they were around. He enjoyed the time he spent with them, whether he was giving buggy rides on the farm, checking cows or crops, or partaking in an event the grandkids participated in.
Larry and his family had challenges, but his faith never wavered, and he would always look to the Lord and say, “God will get us through.” Larry was a faithful member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Orient, SD. His memory will remain in the hearts of his family, friends, and all those who were honored to know him. His legacy will live on for generations to come, inspiring those around him with his kindness, generosity, and unforgettable spirit. Larry’s death is not the end, but rather the entrance into life that knows no end.
His survivors include: wife, Sandy; children: Jesse and Shelly (Aesoph) Oakley, Jon Aesoph, Jordan and Nicole (Bruemmer) Aesoph, and Kyle and Krissy (Aesoph) Oakley; grandchildren: Isaac, Elias, and Will Oakley, Lucas, Renna, Sadie, and Jhett Aesoph, Lannie, Rozzi, Harlee, and Chancey Oakley; siblings: Larry and Bev (Aesoph) Grau, Bill and Marilynn (Aesoph) Van Well, John and Gloria (Aesoph) Biegler, and Mark and Deb (Aesoph) Gonyo; and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; nieces; and nephews.
Preceding Larry in death were his daughters, Kelly and Wanelda “Little Nel”; son, Jason; mother, Ruby; father, Moses; and his brother, Terry.
Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Larry’s arrangements.
Services
Wake: Sunday, August 23, 2026 4:00 pm
St. Joseph's Catholic Church (Orient)
407 Summer Street
Orient, SD 57467
Funeral Service: Monday, August 24, 2026 10:30 am
St. Joseph's Catholic Church (Orient)
407 Summer Street
Orient, SD 57467






Sending our love, hugs and prayers to you all!!!
Stuart Prince
Dixie Prince Parker
To Sandy Children and Families: So very sorry for you all on the Loss of Larry!🌻
Our hearts go out to you Sandy and all of your family at this sad time. We are thinking about you and offering prayers for your healing from this event. Hold on to the memories.
Blessings to you all during this difficult time!
“Now may the Lord of Peace Himself give you His peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.”
II Thessalonians 3:16 🙏🏼🕊️
Sandy and family I am so very sorry to hear of Larrys passing God bless you all and prayers to you all.
Mark & Kay Simonson
So sorry for your great loss, Sandy. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
My sincere sympathy to Sandy and family. 🙏
I am so very sorry about your tragic loss of Larry. I know you all have great memories and stories of Larry, and may those memories help you through this difficult time. I have many memories, but one of my favorites was watching Larry as a wrestler in high school. We would always cheer him on to get mad at his opponent because then he would pick the guy up, throw him down, and then pin him…match over! Although he was always a gentle, kind man to me.
Sandy and family members, you have my deepest sympathies for unexpected loss. Larry was a good person. Prayers 🙏
Prayers and blessings coming to the Aesoph family. So sorry that this happened. Thinking of all the family.
Pat Holdren family
Sympathy to you Sandy and all your families at this time of sorrow. Love never dies, it just goes away for a time til you meet again….praying for all .
Sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. Always a smile and a pleasure to visit with. My condolences to all the family.
Sorry about your lost, so hard to understand,,God Bless
Rest in peace Larry, I will always remember you with fondly and a smile in my heart and on my face. Sandy and family, hugs and love to you all 🙏🏼❤️
Sandy and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart is with all of you during this difficult time. May the love and memories you shared with Larry bring you comfort. Thinking of you all. ❤️
Sandy and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart is with all of you during this difficult time. May the love and memories you shared with Larry bring you comfort. Thinking of you all. ❤️
Sandy and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart is with all of you during this difficult time. May the love and memories you shared with Larry bring you comfort. Thinking of you all. ❤️
My deepest sympathy
Our deepest condolences to all of the Aesoph family. Larry was a good man and friend. He will be missed by all. Larry always had a smile on his face and we always enjoyed visiting with him when we met. Take heart in knowing he is now at rest in the arms of our loving Lord and savior. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
So sorry for your loss! Know of my love and prayers! I know Uncle Larry Joe is resting with God! May Christ heal you and bring you peace!
Sandy, Shelly, Jon, Jorden and Krissy…
May the love and support of friends and family carry you through this difficult time. Cherish all the memories you have together. Wishing you peace, comfort and understanding. Larry touched many lives and I’m thankful mine was one. My thoughts are with you.”
Larry was truly one of the good guys. I am so sorry for Sandy and the family, know that you are in my prayers.