On Jan. 24, 1948, a spunky little boy, Larry Swanson, was born to Walter and Alma Swanson. The boy loved being outside and watching his older brothers, Melvin and Ted. As he grew to be a man, he prided himself in being a 140-pound lineman and co-captain of the football team. When he wasn't working at the bakery or knocking skulls on the gridiron, he was winning over the heart of Miss Linda Adamson, whom he adored. Linda and Larry were wed on Dec. 30, 1967.

Linda and Larry raised their children in Viborg, SD; they took great joy in raising their children in a small town. Larry never missed an opportunity to coach and encourage his children; he was their biggest fan! The couple opened "Larry's Floor Covering" in Viborg, and Larry was a self-employed carpet installer for a number of years.

We saw a new side of Larry when grandchildren came along. He was so genuinely proud of their unique talents and gifts. He would look at Linda and say, "How did we get so lucky?" His chest would swell and eyes would water whenever he talked about his 10 amazing grandchildren.

The Swanson duo returned home to Centerville, SD, where their love story began. Starting in 1995, they owned and operated the Centerville Steakhouse for 18 years. During this time, they developed relationships that would last forever and reconnected with the community of Centerville.

Larry absolutely loved wildlife and spending time in the outdoors, particularly at the Field of Dreams; this was his sanctuary. Many stories were shared around a campfire about the good ole days and memories spent hunting.

After many years of considering himself unworthy, on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 2 p.m., Larry accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. From that point on, he wanted everyone to know that if God could forgive and love him, then everyone has a redeeming chance.

Larry was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and chose to live out the time he had left at home surrounded by family and friends. He was overcome with gratitude from the outpouring of love and support his family, friends and community bestowed on him. Larry passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, Dec. 17, surrounded by family.

Larry is survived by wife, Linda; children: Renee (Craig), Heath (Tammy), Angie (Jon); grandchildren: Renee's children - Rachel, Cole, Shelby, Patrick, and Hannah; Heath's children - Keely and Trey; and Angie's children - Tatum (Logan), Carson, and Addison.

When Larry and Linda married, he gained a family he cherished more than they would ever know. These cherished family members include mother-in-law, Eva Erickson; father-in-law, Delmar Adamson; sisters-in-law, Julie Adamson and Debbie (Gary) Andersen; brothers-in-law, Don (Lou) Adamson and Gary (Char) Adamson; and many nieces and nephews whom he also cherished.

Larry was preceded in death by his father, Walt; mother, Alma; and brothers, Melvin and Ted.

Larry's Open House Celebration of Life will be held in the "Gold Gym" at the Centerville School on Sunday, Dec. 22, from 2 to 4 p.m.