Larry Dean Morrell, 74, of Sturgis, South Dakota, passed away in his sleep in the early morning of May 9, 2023, after a short illness.

Larry was born in Sturgis on March 3, 1949, to Herbert and Kathleen (Borup) Morrell. His brother, Gary, joined the family several years later.

Larry grew up and attended school in Sturgis, graduating from Sturgis High School in 1968. He loved and participated in sports, lettering in football, basketball, and track. He also played baseball and later helped coach Little League Baseball. He attended Black Hills State College in Spearfish, SD, from 1968-1969.

He worked briefly for Montana Dakota Utilities, but found his calling as a meat cutter, and later as plant manager, with Sturgis Meat Service. He worked at SMS for thirty-two years and was very proud of the fact. He made many friends working at the plant, friendships that lasted for years. If you were a friend, just know, you were a friend for life.

Larry and Candy were married on May 27 ^th , 1989. This was the beginning of their blended family. With the blended family came many obstacles, but their love endured all the challenges. They, with the children, spent much time of their free time camping and fishing at Deerfield.

Larry was a very kind man, with a huge, soft heart and that was very clear when it came to the fur babies who adored him. There were many pets over the years, who stole his heart and then broke it when they crossed The Rainbow Bridge. He gave new meaning to the term "Step-Father" because that is what he did, he stepped up! In the words of Josh, "He was my Dad, he loved me when he didn't have to." He was lovingly known as "Pops" by many of the kids.

Larry is survived by his loving wife and best friend of nearly thirty-four years, Candy; his mother, Kathleen Morrell, Sturgis; his brother, Gary (Anna), Tucson, AZ; children, Sarah (Kory) O'Brien, North Dakota, Travis (Rochelle) Thompson, North Dakota, Joie Houchin, Hamilton, Michigan, Shelli (Dave) Nelson, Black Hawk, SD, Sheila (Ben) Standing Bear, Whitewood, SD, Josh (Dani) Houchin, Sturgis, SD, and Shannon (Marnie), Piedmont, SD; aunts, Donna Bonner, Della Hall; and very dear friend, Donna Jacobsen, Piedmont, SD. Larry also leaves behind many grandchildren and great grandchildren, and last, but certainly not least, are his three fur babies: Doxies, Jacob, Allie, and Lucy.

Preceding him death are his father, Herbert Morrell; paternal and maternal grandparents; aunt, Belva Grubl; uncles, Pete Borup, Bernie Hall, and Ramon Grubl; grandchildren, Dara and Kyle Reynolds; nephew, Alex Morrell; never to forget the fur babies; Irish Setters, Starlett and Zoe, Doxies, Max, Abbey, Tucker, Kassie, and Kobe; the greatest love affair was with all the pets, past and present, but especially with Max.

There are no words to adequately express the love we have for this man or the sadness we feel saying "see you later", but there is tremendous joy in knowing Larry is with Jesus and we will meet again.

Memorial services are planned for 2:00 pm, Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church, Sturgis, SD, with Pastors John Williamson and Jodee Oliver officiating.

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