Larry Simon, 77 of Sturgis, South Dakota passed away with his wife at his side on August 19, 2024, following a long battle with colon cancer.

Larry was born to Harry and Mary Simon on August 17, 1947, in Belle Fourche, SD. He spent his childhood years in Spearfish, SD and graduated from Spearfish High School in 1966.

He volunteered to the join US Army and was sent to Vietnam where he joined the 195th and 117th as a door gunner and helicopter crew chief.  He was also a member of Mac V Sog. Larry received the Air Medal three times. He returned to the USA to be assigned funeral detail until his honorable discharge out of the Army.

Larry attended BHSC for several years and worked for the US Forest Service as a Ranger and Information Specialist, (he loved the Black Hills), Homestake, the VAMC, and many other odd jobs.

He was a kind, thoughtful, and witty person who enjoyed talking to family, friends, and meeting people. Larry was an outdoorsman who was devoted to outdoor sports (favorite was fishing) and recreational activities. He loved nature and animals. Larry also liked to read, cook and reload ammo. He enjoyed life to the fullest.

Larry is survived by his wife, Patty; present cat, Sam; sister, Carol Coons (Prineville, OR); nieces, Renee Nixon (Chadron, NE), and Celina (Cory) Friesen of Terrebonne, OR; great nephew, Ryder; and numerous cousins. He was predeceased by his parents.

He will be laid to rest at the Black Hills National Cemetery at 11:30 AM, Friday, June 20, 2025.

So let there be stories, let there be tears, but let there be happy memories that most all can share with everyone at Larry's Celebration of Life lunch that will be held at Kickstand Campground Bar & Grill. Take Exit 37 (Pleasant Valley Drive Exit) and turn east and then the first north turn after the exit ramp will be the Kickstand entrance.

Words cannot express how deeply I appreciate all the love and support shown to me during the past years of Larry's illness and death. I am incredibly grateful and will always remember your kindness. I would especially like to thank the staff of Heartland Home Health, Stillwater Hospice, Ft Meade VMAC, our neighbors, The Clements, my twin sister, Michele and her husband, Pete Goodwin. Thank you!!   Patty