Larry W. Huntsman

LARRY WESLEY HUNTSMAN was born on July 19, 1938 in Reliance, South Dakota to Hobart and Caroline 'Lena' Heib Huntsman. He spent his childhood years in Reliance and graduated in 1956 from Reliance High School. He then attended Black Hills Teacher's College where he earned his bachelor's degree in Education. One of the prouder moments in his life came at college when during his sophomore year another guy told him he was pretty big and should play football. Larry, never exposed to the sport in his younger years, thought he might give it a try. He worked hard to learn the game and turns out he was pretty good. Eighty young men wanted to be a part of that team and Larry was one of only 11 starters during his junior and senior years. This mentality of going for it and giving it your all even when it's difficult or an unknown was a common theme throughout his life. During college, Larry was elected as a member of the Student Senate and a member of the Yellow Jackets Letterman Club.

While at college, Larry met his future bride, Mary Lue Funk. The two were married on January 28, 1961 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Rapid City, South Dakota. The couple made their first home in Witten, South Dakota where Larry taught various subjects at Witten High School and coached basketball. Following a couple years in Witten, the young couple decided to head out for the first of many travel adventures. They made the move to the island of Guam with their baby boy, Wesley. Both Larry and Mary Lue worked as educators on the island. Larry taught Industrial Arts at the local high school and also taught nights at a Vocational School. Their second son, Alan, was born in Guam. The young family enjoyed their years there and took advantage of travel opportunities, including visits to Hong Kong, Japan, and the Philippines.

In 1966, they moved to Ft. Collins, Colorado where Larry advanced his education at Colorado State. While attending graduate school, he was hired as a graduate assistant, teaching various classes to undergraduates. He attained his Masters of Education in Industrial Arts in 1967. He then moved his family to Alliance, Nebraska where he was both the Diversified Occupations Coordinator and taught auto mechanics for the Alliance School District. Concurrently to his work at the school district in Alliance, Larry began taking the necessary classes at Chadron College to be licensed in school administration. While in Alliance, he also enjoyed his side work as a volunteer fireman and EMT.

In 1970, the family moved to Colton, South Dakota for Larry to begin his position as the high school principal at Tri-Valley School District. In 1976, the family moved to Jasper, Minnesota. Larry decided to take a break from teaching and administration and go into business for himself. The family purchased the Jasper Laundromat where they had their business on the lower level and their home above. Larry couldn't stay away long from the school environment and his love of kids. Along with the Laundromat, he drove school bus, worked as a playground supervisor, and was also a school janitor at the elementary. He also worked as an EMT with the city of Jasper for 10 years. In 1982, Larry began his employment as the city clerk for Jasper. He formally retired from this position in 1996.

Larry was instrumental in starting the Jasper Lions Club in 1977. He served as president for a number of years and remained a member for the rest of his life. This last year, in October of 2012, Larry and seven other members were recognized for 35 years of community service with the Jasper Lions Club. He also served on the Jasper City Council. Larry's father was an avid outdoorsman and passed it on to his son at a young age. Larry loved hunting and fishing and enjoyed teaching his own sons and grandchildren to fish. During his years in Jasper, he enjoyed being a part of community theatre where he took on lead and supporting roles in various productions. Larry was the kind of guy who could literally fix anything - he was the very definition of a handyman. He and Mary Lue visited many states and countries throughout their years together. They loved being able to spend extended periods of time in the summer with their children and grandchildren. In the 2000s Larry's health began to decline and his love of tinkering and fixing things came to an end as his physical body gave way to the demands of his disease; however, it couldn't take the strongest part of this man, his mind. He continued his love of reading, a joy he had throughout his life. Novels of all types and newspapers were devoured and the educator continued to learn.

On Tuesday, October 29, 2013, Larry died at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 75 years, three months and 10 days. At the time of his death, Larry’s request was granted to have his eyes donated to the Lions Eye Bank.

Larry is lovingly remembered by his wife of 52 years, Mary Lue Huntsman of Jasper, Minnesota; his children, Wes and Katie of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Alan and Grace of Taunton, Massachusetts; and four grandchildren, Christopher, Aaryn, Matthew, and Jessa Huntsman. He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Darrell; and his sister, Scharlene.