Gail Larson
September 4, 1952 ~ February 20, 2018
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Gail Larson, 65, of Gettysburg, passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Manhattan, NY.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at United Methodist Church, Gettysburg, with Pastor Jeff Adel presiding. Burial followed in the Gettysburg Cemetery. A prayer service was held at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at the church with visitation two-hours prior.
Barbara Gail Sloat was born on September 4, 1952 to Dorothy (Fransen) and Gene Sloat. She attended Lowell Country School and Gettysburg High School, graduating in 1970. After one year of college at Dakota Wesleyan, she met Ron Larson and they were married in 1971. Together they had two sons, Douglas and David.
Ron and Gail bought her family’s farm in 1981, where they farmed, ranched and raised registered Angus cattle for many years. Gail spent countless hours helping with the cattle and riding horse.
Gail worked at the Oahe Manor, Ripshaw Motors and FSA before she and Ron opened their Bed and Breakfast, Larson’s Landing, in 2007.
Gail was a member of the United Methodist Church, American Legion Auxiliary, SD Farm Bureau, and the Republican Women. She was also a Boy Scout Leader, 4-H Leader, and taught Sunday School. Gail started and led the Patriots Horse Mounted Drill Team from 1994 to 2000. This team started the annual community church service in 1995, which is held during the Potter County Fair. Gail took over the planning of the annual church service in 2000.
Eventually, her five grandchildren were a major part of her life. Gail spent a lot of time teaching the grandkids to ride horse, and she loved taking them to horse shows. She also enjoyed going to all of their sporting events and the other activities that they are involved in.
Gail taught piano lessons for over 40 years. She played the organ and piano for weddings and funerals for over 40 years in many different churches. She was recently recognized for over 50 years as an organist in the Methodist Church. Gail also directed and sang in the church choir for many years.
Gail is survived by her husband, Ronald Larson; son, Doug (Jessica) and their children: Delanie, Emilie, and Abbie of Gettysburg; son, David (Jennifer) and their children: Connor and Landon of Gettysburg; mother, Dorothy Sloat of Gettysburg; mother-in-law, Doris Larson of Gettysburg; step-mother, Sylvia Sloat of Gettysburg; siblings: Dan (Deb) Sloat of Helena MT, Judy (Frank) Pearman of Babson Park, FL, Carol (Jim) Zimmerman of Austin, TX, Connie (Bill) St. Clair of Sioux Falls; brother-in-law, Vaughn (Stacy) Larson; sisters-in-law: Marsha (Dan) Osier, and Sandra (Gary) Nagel all of Gettysburg, Rochelle (Jim) Borszich, Tammie (Jim) Musil, and Lori (Dave) Corcoran all of Huron; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Gail is preceded in death by her father, Gene Sloat; and her father-in-law, Vernon Larson.
Memorials may be directed to the family to be used for local organizations.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Gail’s arrangements.
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Dear Ron and Family our thoughts and prayers surround you as we ask for God’s love to enfold you and give you the peace only He can give. What special memories we have of our times with you not only in Gettysburg, but when we would get together here in Rochester. May God hold you in His care as He is Gail. With love and prayers Susie & Bill
I am so sorry. I’ve been following her illness on Facebook and thought everything was going well. Girls, you can take comfort knowing how happy you made her when you visited.
May you be comforted in the loss of your beloved Gail. Joyce
Our hearts are heavy. Gail was such an outstanding gift from God. She will truly be missed by so many for a long long time! God bless you all.
Our hearts are sad. Gail and Marilyn agreed to pray for each other when they went for treatment at the same time. Gail is in the arms of Jesus and we’ll pray for her family in the days and weeks ahead. May you find comfort and God’s peace.
Randy & I are so sorry to hear of Gail’s passing. She fought so hard, and so long. She was such a strong woman. In all the years I have known her she was always there to do whatever needed to be done. It was because of Gail that our family got involved in the drill team, and I would not trade those times for anything. Those are some of the best years our family had together, We will all miss her deeply. Randy & Linda Kemink
Rest in Peace Gail, The music just got a little bit more quiet down here! My sympathy to Ron and her family and friends.
So so sorry to hear this. Jill and I will continue praying for you all at this time. She was a great friend and will always be. Blessings to the entire family.
So sorry to hear this news. My sincere condolences.
To the family of Gail Larson we wish you best of luck and take it easy on yourself at this time. Our condolences to you at this time. As time goes on we learn to except our loss of a loved one. It is not always our way to deal with the loss and learn that there was a reason that things go the way they do . We hope you will grow for the best at this time now !
Gail was a sweet lady. She was so kind to everyone she knew. God Bless her.
I stayed at Larson’s Landing a couple of times while prairie dog hunting with two others. We so enjoyed visiting with Gail and Ron in the evening. She told of her impending health issues and so felt very sorry to hear she passed. We had so hoped we would see her in summer of 2018. Sometimes prayers are not answered to our wishes. We will send a memorial to be used for your values. Sincerely Glen Clausen, Jim Haupt and Joe Carnine
I’m very sorry to hear about the loss of Gail. She was an amazing lady. I have many fond memories of Gail. She will be missed. Love & hugs to the family.
My deepest condolences to the family. Gail was a one of a kind person. Her heart was for the Lord and know she is in heaven probably directing God’s choirs of angels. Your family is in my prayers.
Ron, Doug and family,David and family.I am so sorry to hear of Gails passing She was a wonderful lady and friend ..she was always there for everyone and everything..All my prayers to you..she is in a Beautiful Place with no more suffering or pain..May God be with each and everyone of you . you are wrapped in his loving arms.Peace to you all
So very sorry for your loss, we shared some special moments over the years. She will be missed by many Hugs to the family
To gails family and friends She was a wonderful and Beautiful Lady She will truly be missed my sympathy and Prayers to Family and Friends with sympathy Jeanelle and Jeff Schaefer
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Gail. Earth lost an angel, but heaven gained one. Her gifts of music touched countless souls, and were the source of abounding praise and thanksgiving. In prayer, Joe and Renae Lehman and family
Our prayers are with the family.
Sorry about your loss.
Such a fighter and I really thought she would make it through this.I will miss her visits where there was long chats, good food and lots of card playing. Oh how she loved beating Doug in card.I’m sure she found him in heaven and is saying (shut up and deal). She will be missed. More then Family.. She was a friend.We’ve worked hard ,now rest in peace .Hug to Ron and Boys
What a beautiful,fine lady we lost here. She affected so many people in such a positive way.Many,Many thoughts and prayers go out to all of you, God Bless….
Gail was in our swim group and was such a wonderful and loving lady. I enjoyed visiting with her. May the warmth of God’s love embrace all of you, and my the joy you once shared brighten you days with the assurance that love lives forever. With Deepest Sympathy Darleen
My thoughts and prayers have been with you Ronnie and all of the family! As we gathered for Bill’s service here in FL the family was talking about you and sharing your grief. We all loved Gail and so enjoyed staying at the Larson Landing. God Bless You and Keep You!
Ron and family, We ask the Lord to comfort and shelter each of you. Gail’s warm personality and friendly smile will be remembered by all. May God bless each of you.
Ronnie and family all… Deeply regret that you lost Gail after a heroic effort to overcome her medical issues over many months. God bless her memory and I will pray for your family
Dear sweet Gail. Miss you so much when we gather at BK. No doubt you are playing sweet music to Jesus and all those gone before you. RIP! Prayers and hugs to Ron and all your family.
Gail was an amazing person. Although I only knew her briefly, she took my son AJ under her wings and made him feel at home in Gettysburg. As a mom, that meant the world to me. I am sorry her life was cut short! My thoughts and prayers are with her family, especially her grandchildren who I know she loved very much.
Larson Family, May your memories of Gail bring you comfort. Gail blessed so many others with her passion of music and horses. Sending love and prayers.
May your many memories carry all of you through this time. Gail was a wonderful person. A rock to her family and in the community. May she rest in peace. May you all feel the comfort of all the family and friends around you. Hugs and Prayers. Loni Shoup
Ronnie, David and Jenny, Doug and Jessica and families – I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Gail. I know she fought the good fight and at least now she is at peace and playing beautiful music with the angels. She was always such a kind, caring person willing to go the extra mile for anyone. I always enjoyed hearing of her stories from mom when they would get together. Prayers for you all during this trying time. Hold on to the happy memories. Hugs – Amy
So thankful to have had the opportunity to know Gail and her family! God be with you all! Ron and Margie Stoneback
So very sorry for your loss…Gail was a woman of faith and integrity and she was VERY loved…God be with you all and may He give you comfort and peace..
I have know Gail since I was a little girl. My parents met Gail’s parents shortly after moving to S D. Myself and my family stayed at Ron and Gail’s Bed and Breakfast when my father passed away. I have never forgotten her hospitality. She will be missed but there are so many good memories of her that will last forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
I’ve never done this before so didn’t know there was a 250 word limit. i went on and on about all the things I love and remember and am thankful to Gail for and then when I went to submit it….. I was told I had to keep it to 250. So i did it the old fashioned way and wrote a letter. Gail has graduated and is a blessing in another community now. i know we will see her again and she’ll want to know that we stepped into her BIG shoes and kept faith with those projects she dedicated her life to that all might be blessed.
Please accept my sincere condolences. Gail will be missed so much!