Randall “Randy” Larson

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Obituary

Randall “Randy” Larson, 75, of Mitchell, SD, died Monday, May 9, 2022, at Edgewood Memory Care in Mitchell. A memorial service will be 10:30 AM Friday, July 8, 2022, at Bittner Funeral Chapel. Burial will be at Mt. Vernon Cemetery. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Randy Larson, son of Howard and Shirley (Duncan) Larson, was born March 21, 1947 in Mitchell, SD. He grew up in Mount Vernon, SD and graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1965. After high school, Randy attended South Dakota State University and enlisted in the South Dakota Army National Guard.  He graduated from Dakota Wesleyan University with a degree in Biology.

Randy was united in marriage with Mary Jo Neuheisel on August 1, 1968 in Parkston, SD. The couple started their journey in Mount Vernon, moved to Parkston, and finally settled in Mitchell. Randy spent over 44 years in the animal biological and pharmaceutical sales business, starting with his father at Larson Distributing in 1965. He also worked for Ceva/Sanofi, Rhone Merieux, Merial, Nelson Laboratories, Sterling Technology, and KMG-Bernuth before finally retiring in 2010. He received a number of awards during his career, most notably the Ceva/Sanofi “National Animal Health Salesperson of the Year” in 1989, the Bill Davis Memorial Award for Outstanding Service to the Veterinary Profession, from the South Dakota Veterinary Medical Association in 1999, and the Merial “Circle of Excellence” Award in 2000.

He was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Mitchell, a member and past president of the Lions Club, and a member of the Mitchell Quarterback Club.

Randy was an avid sports fan. He particularly enjoyed watching the Minnesota Vikings and attending Mitchell High School and DWU football and basketball games. He also enjoyed boating, fishing, and watching the sunset from the family home on Lake Mitchell. He supported his children and grandchildren in the various activities they participated in. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, who always brought a smile to his face. Randy loved to visit with others, always asking people where they were from and linking their hometown to a specific clinic or veterinarian who he served as a salesman.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Larson, Mitchell, SD; two sons, Pat (Angie) Larson, Mitchell, SD and Chris Larson; daughter, Stacie Larson, Mitchell, SD; three grandchildren, Atlas Larson, St. Louis Park, MN, Tyler Larson, Forest Grove, OR, and Thomas “TJ” Larson, Mitchell, SD; sister, Vicky (Bernie) Goodson, Fort Mill, SC; brother, Jim (Pam) Larson, Mitchell, SD; brother-in-law, Burt Reiser, Parkston, SD; brother-in-law Bill (Sharon) Neuheisel, Kearney, NE; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters-in-law, Romaine Reiser, Valeria Uttect-Schoenfelder, and Beverly Neuheisel; and two brothers-in-law, Harold Uttecht and Clete Schoenfelder.

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