Dick D. Larson

Rupert – Dick D. Larson, age 82, of Rupert, passed away, March 1, 2015, at Minidoka Memorial Hospital, surrounded by loved ones.

Dick was born November 18, 1932, in Burley, Idaho, to John Davis Larson and Leona Smith England. The youngest of 6 children, Dick loved growing up on the farm. He loved horses and being out on the range working with cattle. After graduating from High School in 1952, he served in the Army for two years and the Army Reserve for four years.

He married his sweetheart, Darlene Rittel in the Idaho Falls Temple in 1955. Dick continued to farm as he and Darlene started their family. They had six children. You could often hear him singing "Home on the Range" or his familiar "Yoddle" as he drove the tractor in the fields. A farming accident brought a change in careers which led Dick to go to work for MH King Company, where he drove semi-truck for 33 years. His hard work, long hours and cheerful disposition gained the respect and friendship of his coworkers and all those he came in contact with.

As a member of the LDS Church, he served in various positions with faithfulness.

He loved the outdoors, horses, rodeos, fly fishing, hunting, archery, camping, and especially the summer vacations with his wife and children at the company cabin near Ketchum, Idaho. Many fond memories are still shared with laughter anytime the family gets together. Dick loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and loved to tease and laugh with them. In his later years, he was known for his creative walking sticks, hand-garden weeder and hot-dog sticks that he enjoyed making. He sold some but gave away many more. All his life, he loved people. Dick loved visiting with his brothers and sisters, in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends and would always lend a hand where he could. He was a true example of humility, hard work, love and devotion.

He is survived by his loving wife Darlene; his six children, Kevin D. Larson (Dodie-deceased), of Burley; Bradley J Larson (Gayla), of West Jordan, Utah; Kathy Knopp (Randy), of Paul; Brent Jay Larson (Odessa), of Phoenix, Ariz.; Brenda Davis, (Bruce), of Colorado Springs, Colo.; John Arthur Larson (Shelly), of Shoshone; 24 grandchildren; and 33 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; all of his siblings; and a daughter-in-law, Dodie.

The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to the staff of Rosetta Assisted Living, Dr. Klett, Dr. Swensen and the staff of Minidoka Memorial Hospital for their loving care to Dick.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 6, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E.16th St., in Burley. Burial will be in Gem Memorial Gardens. Military rites will be provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Organization.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, March 5, and from 9 until 9:45 a.m. Friday at Rasmussen Funeral Home.