Larry Huntsman  7/19/1938-10/29/2013

Larry Huntsman, 75, Jasper, died Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013 at the Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls, S.D.

Visitation will be held Monday, Nov. 4 from 4-8 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Jasper. Prayer services will be held in the evening.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Honorary casket bearers will be Jasper Lions Club, Jasper Fire Department and EMTs.

Casket bearers will be Terry Skyberg, Jack Hopkins, Alan Huntsman, Jerry Tower, Todd Hopkins and Wesley Huntsman.

Interment will be in Jasper City Cemetery.

Larry Wesley Huntsman was born July 19, 1938 in Reliance, S.D. 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 his 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 is 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.

He met his future bride, Mary Lue Funk while at college. They were married Jan. 28, 1961 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Rapid City, S.D. The couple made their first home in Witten, S.D. where Larry taught various subjects at Witten High School and coached basketball. Following a couple years in Witten, the 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, Colo., 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, Neb., 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 he 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, S.D. for Larry to begin his position as the high school principal at Tri-Valley School District. In 1976 the family moved to Jasper. 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. 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 he 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. During his years in Jasper, he enjoyed being a part of community theatre where he took on lead and supporting roles in various productions.

In the 2000’s Larry’s health began to decline.

At the time of Larry’s death, his request was granted to have his eyes donated to the Lions Eye Bank.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Lue; his children, Wes (Katie), Colorado Springs, Colo., and Al (Grace), Taunton, Mass. and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Darrell and his sister, Scharlene.