PIERRE, SD – It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mari Boocock on December 14, 2024, at the age of 77. Mari was a cherished mother, grandmother, and friend who brought wisdom, love, and kindness to all who knew her.

A celebration of Mari’s life will be held on Friday, December 27, 2024, at Feigum Funeral Home, starting at 2 PM. Family, friends, and all who knew her are invited to join in remembering her remarkable life, with a family gathering prior to the service starting at 1 PM.

Marie “Mari” Luise Boocock was born on July 5, 1947, in Giessen, Germany, to Ilsa Alvina (Elsie Larsen) Eck and Richard Grant. She attended school in Lampert Heim Hessen through grade two. After her mother met and married Walter D. Larsen of Farmingdale, SD, in Germany in 1951, three siblings joined the family. Mari grew up in Germany before immigrating to the United States via the Ascania in 1956, with her first stop being Ellis Island. Mari took in the sites of the shining beauty of the Statue of Liberty from the ships bow sitting next to the captain as she soaked it all in. As a young child, Mari developed a love for reading, often immersing herself in books for hours and embracing the characters within. This passion for words remained with her throughout her life.

Mari received numerous honors from organizations such as the NC and AZ Jaycee Women, Toastmasters, U.S. Jaycee Organization, and as Co-Chair of the Rally on the River, recognizing her contributions to communities and businesses over the years.

Mari was blessed with two daughters, Angela and Heather through her first marriage to Merle Putnam. In 1974, Mari married the love of her life, James Boocock, in Texas. Angela and Heather were welcomed into the Boocock family, and together, they had one daughter, Jennifer. The family moved frequently due to Jim’s service with the Red Cross and veteran organizations, living in several states before settling back home in Pierre, SD, in 1984.

Mari worked for the Federal Food and Drug Administration and the State of South Dakota in Pierre for many years prior to her retirement. She also had a passion for law and was a valuable member of several law firms, including assisting a Supreme Court Justice during the family’s relocations across the country. A lifelong learner, she returned to school later in life, earning a Bachelors in General Studies and a Minor in Business degree from South Dakota State University in 1999 at the age of 52.

Mari’s greatest joys were her family and her sweet rescue cat, Luna. She never missed a birthday or anniversary, always sending handwritten letters to commemorate special occasions. She maintained close relationships with her loved ones through emails and phone calls, treasuring every moment spent with family. Her pride in her children and grandchildren was boundless, and she delighted in sharing stories about them with everyone she met. Mari’s love extended beyond her immediate family, as she welcomed many adopted “grandchildren” into her life.

Mari is survived by her daughters Angela Albertson of Sioux Falls, SD, Heather (Perry) Munyon of Murfreesboro, TN, and Jennifer (Seth) Larson of Columbus, MT; grandchildren Seth Boocock, Jordan Albertson, Ty Larson, Courtney (Brayden) Nelson, Austin (Dana) Munyon, Brittney Munyon, Liam, Zoe, and Leah Larson; and brothers Walter (Billie) Larsen, John (Peggie) Larsen, Roy (Debbie) Larsen, and Mark Larsen. She was preceded in death by her husband James Boocock, her mother Elsie Larsen, father Walter Larsen, grandson Christian Albertson, nephew Matt Larsen, niece Joshlyn Larsen, and many other loving family members and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to one of the following cause dear to Mari’s heart: The Matt Larsen Memorial Scholarship Fund (American Bank and Trust), 700 E Sioux Ave, Pierre, SD 57501 in Mari Boocock’s memory.

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