Larry Ellis, 78, passed away surrounded by his loving family in his home on August 31, 2020. Larry's family will celebrate his life with a private service; however, you are encouraged to stop by the family home anytime to share your condolences!

Larry Leonard Ellis was born to Kennard and LuVern (Johnson) Ellis on August 14, 1942 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He attended Rose Cottage Country School through 8 ^th grade and then graduated from Centerville High School in 1960. He then went on to Springfield College.

Kennard started Larry farming at a very young age.  In fact, Larry was so little that his dad had to tie him to the tractor seat so he wouldn't fall off. However, this wasn't anything unusual to Larry, as his parents also tied him to the clothesline so they could keep track of where he was!

Larry was a hard worker, if he wasn't sleeping, he was working. Some of Larry's places of employment include Mathias Implement in Lennox, owning his own radiator shop in Centerville and operating a trucking business. In 1965 he went back to his first love, farming the land.

On June 19, 1971, Larry married the love of his life, Karen Knudson Preheim. Together, with Karen keeping the books, their farming grew from grain to include buying and raising cattle. Larry enjoyed attending cattle sales with his father-in-law, Boyd Knudson.  These were very busy years as they were also raising a large family.  As the years went on and their son, Kevin, got established in farming, Larry continued to help Kevin until his death.

Larry was known to have a knack for fixing or repairing anything he could get his hands on. From farm equipment down to vacuum cleaners, he could and would tackle anything.

Larry and Karen enjoyed spending their time together. They genuinely loved each other's company. They went on many camping trips, bus trips to Mexico, pontooning and fishing by themselves and with their kids and grandkids, trips to Canada and wintering in Texas with friends. The biggest highlight in all their excursions, was taking a six-week tour of Alaska.

Larry led a full life meeting many strangers that became friends along the way. He will be dearly missed.

Grateful for sharing his life is his wife of 49 years, Karen; children, Keith (Janine) Ellis of Centerville, Melissa (David) Friedman of Pompano Beach, FL, Brad (Kim) Preheim of Centerville, Bryan Preheim of Sioux Falls, Kevin (Becky) Ellis, Corey Ellis and Brady Ellis all of Centerville; 15 grandchildren, Jim, John, Haley, Meghanne, Derek, Kaylie, Anna, Alyssa, Gabby, Hayden, Hunter, Brandon, Madelynn, Sydney, and William; and nine great-grandchildren, Ava, Emerson, Myla, Cohen, Adaline, Nolan, Remi, Asher, Adelynn and two on the way. Also surviving is his brother, Lynn (Marge) Ellis of Rapid City; sisters, Jean (Paul) Peterson, Jane Knutson, Jackie (Wayne) Nelson all of Centerville and Jill (Mike) Kjose of Vermillion; his sisters-in-law, Joyce (Marty) Buseman of Centerville, Kathy (Larry) Schultz of Sioux Falls, Pam (Barry) Hughes of Alcester, Jan (Doug) Stevens and Lori (Kevin) Hecht all of Centerville; and three brothers-in-law, DeLee (Vickie) Knudson,  Dale (Sherrie) Knudson and Larry Johnson all of Centerville, plus a host of nieces and nephews.  His parents, granddaughter, Kylie Ellis; brother-in-law, Roger Knutson; sister-in-law, Sharon Johnson; nephew, Lance Buseman and his in-laws, Boyd and Loreen Knudson preceded him in death.