Gerald Paul Larson entered in to rest December 12, 2015 surrounded by his family. Gerald was born July 18, 1946 to parents Gordon and Emma (Johnson) Larson at Hudson, South Dakota.

He was baptized and confirmed at Roseni Lutheran Church and grew up on the farm south of Beresford.   In his youth Jerry attended country school Brule #50 and for three years when the family moved to Hayward California he attended 4-6th grade there, upon returning to South Dakota he resumed his education at Brule. Jerry was a 4-H member and FFA member. He graduated in 1964 from Beresford High School.  Following graduation he entered military serving for the U.S. Navy.  Jerry served on the USS WASP which was the GEMINI Recovery Ship with Astronauts Borman and Lovell in December 1965.  Data printed in a paper reads," Gerald Larson, serving with the U.S. Navy, was aboard the Wasp when it participated in the recoveries of Gemini 6 and 7 space capsules and the astronauts.  Larson met the astronauts personally and was one of the cooks serving cake to the astronauts on the televised show from the Wasp."  Upon discharge he entered the work force.   Jerry had an adventurous spirit and a love of traveling led him to many interesting job experiences. One job in particular that he enjoyed was working for the carnival.  He also worked many years in construction work and driving truck.  He was united in marriage on July 4, 1979 to Letty Copeland in Smyrna, Tennessee and became a stepfather to her daughter Jenny and son Matt Copeland.  Born to that union were two daughters Mindy and Lindsay.  Due to failing health that forced Jerry to retire early, but it did not stop his love of fishing & hunting, playing cribbage and cards.  He enjoyed reading his western novels.  Most importantly his love of his children and grandchildren were the heart of his life.  Jerry was a member of the Beresford Lions and VFW Legion.

Preceding Jerry in death are his parents, sister Karen (Larson) Isakson, brother in law, David Bargman. Gratefully sharing his life are his wife Letty and children Jennifer Copeland Strong, Matt (Linda) Copeland, Mindy (Chris) Jennings, Lindsay (Alex) Ramirez. Grandchildren; Dominick, Julian, Elliot, Pares, Cache, Tejon, Shelby, Jenny, Carter, Greyson, Madison, Mason and Darian. Sisters; Phyllis (Sheridan) Sternquist, Claire (Jerry) Antonson, brother in law, Robert Isakson, uncle and aunt Roger and Kathryn Larson, Aunt Vera Voog and a host of nephew's, nieces's and cousins.

There will be a memorial service 7:00PM, Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at Wass Funeral Home in Beresford.