Larry Weidenbach
January 26, 1936 ~ April 14, 2017
Larry Arlen Weidenbach, 81, of Highmore, entered heavenly rest after a prolonged illness on Friday, April 14, 2017 at Avera St. Mary’s Hospital, Pierre.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 21, 2017 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Highmore with Pastor Obed Nelson presiding. Burial followed in Pleasant View Cemetery, rural Highmore. A prayer service was held at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 20, 2017 at Sedgwick Lutheran Church, rural Highmore with visitation one hour prior.
Larry was born on January 26, 1936 in Veblen, South Dakota, the son of Leo A. and Leona (Sunding) Weidenbach. Two sisters, Sylvia and Janice joined the family. He was baptized on April 26, 1936 at the Lutheran church in Lake City, SD.
Larry moved to Hyde County, SD around 1947. After graduating from Highmore High School in 1954, Larry enlisted in the United States Army. He spent his two-year enlistment in Germany. When he returned from Germany, Larry married Esther Jensen of Highmore on June 16, 1957. Larry and Esther met while attending schools in Hyde County.
Larry loved rural life. A farmer and rancher, he was especially proud the farm has been in the family for 132 years. An avid hunter and fisherman, he looked forward to hosting family and friends for pheasant hunts.
Friendly and outgoing, Larry enjoyed visiting with life-long friends and new acquaintances alike. With every visit, you could expect a story and a good laugh. A lifelong Lutheran, church was very important to him. To Larry, you didn’t just attend a church, you participated in the life of the congregation.
Larry and Esther were blessed with four children: Lawrence (Barb) Weidenbach of Highmore; Colleen (Louis) Jensen of Flower Mound, TX; Dorinda (Kevin) Wilson of Marysville, OH and Gary (Carmen) Weidenbach of Paola, KS.
Larry especially loved his grandkids: Kris (Blake) Sweeter of Highmore; Daniel Weidenbach of Highmore; Michael Weidenbach of Selby, SD; Colin Weidenbach of Highmore; Lance (Kelsey) Jensen of Garland, TX; Jesse (Alicia) Jensen of Dallas, TX; Morgan Weidenbach of Paola, KS; Quinton Weidenbach of Paola, KS; Barrett (Mary) Wilson of London, OH; McKenzie Wilson of Marysville, OH and Aidan Wilson of Marysville, OH. Larry and Esther have one great-grandchild: Kirby Sweeter of Highmore.
Larry and Esther made numerous trips to Hawaii. Larry called the island of Kauai, “Paradise on Earth.” Larry died on Good Friday. The Good Friday service includes the account of Jesus telling the thief on the cross next to him, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” In honor of this conjuncture, Larry’s extended family will wear Hawaiian or floral shirts at the funeral.
Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Larry’s arrangements.
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I am so sorry Larry was such a sweet and nice man lots of fond memories of him when i was growing up . prayers for your family
I will always remember his infectious laugh. He was always laughing and joking. You couldn’t help but laugh with him. Our prayers are with your families for comfort in this stormy time.
Loved this man! We are so sorry for your loss, may God’s Grace comfort you!
So sorry to hear this. Prayers for you all. Larry will be greatly missed.
I’m so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. I enjoyed my visits at Highmore Health with your mom and dad. Such nice people and always smiling.
Lawerence and family, So sorry to hear about your dad. Keeping you and your family in our prayers.
Our deepest sympathy to the Weidenbach family.
Praying for you guys.
To all of the Weidenbach family We are so sorry for your loss. Heaven gained a great one and we all know Larry is making everyone laugh every day!!! We will miss him and are praying for comfort during this time for all of you. Pete, Rhonda, Peyton, Avery and Owen
Our deepest sympathy to the Weidenbach families. We send our love and prayers.
Thoughts and prayers for Larry’s family!!!!!!
So sorry to hear of Larry’s passing.. we were class mates in high school, he was always the party who made everybody laugh the most all the time. My prayers go with you Ester at this sad time. God Bless
What a generous and joyful person. Lawrence our prayers are with you and your family. A true guardian angel in heaven. Take Care.
Dear Lawrence, you and your family are in my prayers for your loss. Big Larry will be dearly missed. If Larry couldn’t put a smile on your face, no one could. I still remember the first time I met big Larry in Rapid City at GG’s in the mall back in the nineties. Larry was one that made visitors feel truly welcome when they came out to the ranch. Larry may be gone, but the memories will remain forever.
My prayers and thoughts are with you all. I always enjoyed visiting with Larry. Will definitely miss his smile and laugh. Heaven gained an awesome angel…..
Am so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. Prayers to your family.
To all the family you have my sincerest condolences.