PIERRE, SD –

Laurance “Larry” Gramkow passed away October 18, 2023 in Pierre, S.D.

Visitation will be from 6-7pm on Friday, October 27th at Isburg Funeral Chapel with a prayer service and Masonic Rites starting at 7pm. A funeral service will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, October 28th at the First Baptist Church in Pierre with burial at Riverside Cemetery in Pierre.

Larry was born in Bon Homme County December 11, 1932 to Wilhelm and Bernudena Gramkow, the 4th of seven children. He lived in Bon Homme County until leaving as an adult to drive truck. Somewhere along the way Larry developed a love for construction, which he chose for a lifelong career. The love and thrill of construction stayed with Larry for the rest of his life. He came to Pierre to work on the Oahe Dam with the Corp of Engineers, and he was very proud of the time spent building the dam. While working on the Oahe Dam he met and married Betty Terrell. To this union, three daughters were born, whom were all the apple of his eye. He spent the next years with Betty, raising their daughters in Ft. Pierre, all the while he traveled to various sites working road construction and on various dams. His family and work were always the most important aspects of his life so Larry never really developed any hobbies other than his love of country music. His free time was mostly spent with family – 3 daughters can be a lot of work. Larry was a very proud father walking each of his daughters down the aisle.

Larry and Betty’s retirement plans were pushed aside when Betty passed away on May 4, 2009, and Larry continued working construction well into his eighties. He finally retired at 89. During this time, he and his “special lady friend” Lauretta Opp traveled in and out of state to many dances and music concerts, which they very much enjoyed. They also liked taking in community events. Larry and Lauretta also loved to play cards – some of their favorite times were spent at family gatherings teaching us some of the card games they played at the senior center, but surprisingly, the rules seemed to change a lot! He enjoyed visiting with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was very proud of all of their accomplishments.

Larry is survived by his daughters Linda (Guy) Hunter, Leane (Paul) Herman and Larae (Paul) Schoenfelder. His special lady friend, Lauretta Opp. His grandchildren, Michael (Heather) Herman and children (Ryker, Bridger, Hendrix, Evelyn and Hazel); MaKayla (Andrew) Myers and children (Hadley, Logan and Jackson); Loren Schoenfelder and Larisa Schoenfelder and son Everet. Along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Betty, all of his siblings and his sister-in-law, Pat Terrell.

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