Marlys Larsen

Marlys Larsen, 94, of Winner, SD, and formerly of Stockholm, SD, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in South Shore, SD. Pastor Ken Nelson will officiate. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. A luncheon will follow the service on Tuesday, and burial will be 3:30 p.m. at Tabor Lutheran Cemetery near Strandburg, SD.

Marlys Lorraine Larsen was born on May 14, 1931, in Watertown, SD, to Edwin and Lydia (Mandler) Matthes. She was the eldest of seven children. Marlys spoke only German until she began school; fortunately, her teacher was fluent in both German and English.

She lived her entire life in Codington and Grant counties until February of 2020, when she moved to Winner, SD, to live with her daughter. Marlys completed eight grades of education and was confirmed at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church. Growing up during the Great Depression, often referred to as the “Dirty Thirties,” she learned the value of hard work and making wise, careful decisions, traits she carried throughout her life. She was conservative by nature and believed strongly in never wasting anything.

Marlys worked at the South Shore Creamery from 1953 to 1965. On November 14, 1958, she married Oscar Larsen in Ortonville, MN. From this union, their only daughter, Linda Ann, was born on May 23, 1965. Marlys and Oscar farmed together until 1984, when they moved into Stockholm, SD.

From 1986 through 1995, Marlys worked as a custodian at the Grant County Courthouse in Milbank, SD. In August of 1989, Oscar and Marlys became grandparents when Jim and Linda adopted a family of three children. They were extremely excited and proud to welcome their grandchildren.

Oscar passed away on December 12, 1997, in Ortonville, MN. Marlys was a hard worker for most of her life, and when her health no longer allowed her to do the things she enjoyed, it was very difficult for her. She loved visiting with people, especially those at the local café, Alice’s, in Stockholm. She also enjoyed gardening, driving through the countryside, and observing nature, which brought her great joy. At the age of 94, Marlys had her first airplane ride.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda Calhoon of Winner, SD; three grandchildren: Marie Calhoon of Rapid City, SD; Adam Calhoon of Big Stone City, SD; and Joanna Calhoon of Mitchell, SD; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; along with five siblings; and numerous nieces; nephews; friends and family. 

She was preceded in death by her parents: Edwin and Lydia Matthes; husband, Oscar Larsen; infant sister, Janet Matthes; son-in-law, Jim Calhoon; and granddaughter-in-law, Candra Calhoon.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to:

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church: PO Box 68 – South Shore, SD 57263