Spearfish | Larry C. Gustafson, 74, of Spearfish, died Friday, October 24, 2014 at the Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Ft. Meade. Larry was born in Mitchell, South Dakota on April 3, 1940. He began first grade in Kimball in 1946 and graduated from there in 1958. While in high school he participated in football, basketball and track. He enjoyed baseball and played for the Kimball Teeners and Junior Legion teams. He was a fanatic New York Yankees fan and defended them under any circumstances. He excelled in academics especially enjoying history and government. He attended many fairs and celebrations in the area often returning home with a pocketful of silver dollars won in history contests. He was a very skillful chess player and had difficulty in finding competitors due to his skills. Larry and his siblings always enjoyed having a dog. They couldn't agree on one of their dog's names but every time he misbehaved they would say "no no". One of their friends finally suggested that a name for their dog might be "No No". They were delighted with this suggestion. He and his sisters Sara and Roberta had a paper route that they delivered by using a wagon. Delivery of the paper became difficult during periods of blizzards and heavy snow. Larry attended two years of college at SDSU joining the U.S. Navy in 1961 where he served 3 years on the northwest coast of Alaska and two years at the San Diego Naval Base. He was discharged in 1966. He was employed as a Library Assistant, and at the Sawmill in Hill City. Larry had a quiet gentle personality. He was never heard to say anything negative about anyone. He was a true friend always available to help anyone. Survivors include his wife, Marcia Gustafson, Spearfish; two daughters, Michelle Gustafson, Spearfish and Carmen (Joseph) Star, Rapid City; three grandchildren, Stevie Gustafson, Isaiah DeNoyer and Catherine Gustafson and two great grandchildren, Allianna DeNoyer and Cecelia Red Bow and sister Roberta. He was preceded in death by a grandson, David A. Gustafson; a granddaughter, Rebecca Gustafson and a sister, Sara Gustafson and his parents Ione and Clare Gustafson. Graveside services will be 1:00 pm Monday, November 3, 2014 at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. Military honors will be conducted by the Sturgis Veteran's Honor Guard.