Larry L. Madsen

Click Here to view Live-Stream Service..

Larry Lynn Madsen, age 76, passed away unexpectedly, Friday January 5th, 2024, in his home. Larry was born in Vermillion, March 14th, 1947, to Irven Clifford and Jeanette Mary (Theis) Madsen. Larry was their first born, followed by Gary Hans Madsen, 13 years later. Gary often said he had two dads. Larry graduated from Beresford High School in 1965. He was drafted into the United States Army on July 12th, 1966, Serving in Vietnam from 1966 - 1968, through many ranks, and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant E-5. On August 31st, 1968, he and Cyndie (Cynthia Kay Anderson) were married, in Alcester, SD. Larry carried Cyndie's high school photo with him throughout his tour in Vietnam, and it still remains in his wallet. Following his honorable discharge, Larry began his 36-year long career at the United States Post Office, in Vermillion, SD. In October of 1975, Larry and Cyndie welcomed their first daughter Michelle Kay (Hinton). Jennifer Lynn (Madsen-Law) in 1976, and in 2001 their honorary daughter Lenni Billberg. Larry and Cyndie built Crawford Roads Stables in 1983, which was home to numerous horses, rabbits, dogs, chickens, and cats. The stables were a foundation for their daughters' love of all animals, where they learned to care for, show, and love their horses. The stables became a place where friends (Jenny Knutson, Lenni Billberg, the Van Peursems, etc.) became family.

Larry was a proud supporter of the Vermillion Schools, and the Clay County 4-H programs. He was a member of the Eagles and the local VFW and served on numerous committees with Trinity Lutheran Church. He volunteered with Meals on Wheels, made many service trips with Trinity, and as a local honorary Santa Claus. Larry supported the local Make-a-Wish Foundation with his brother. Larry retired from the US Postal Service in 2004. Not one to stay still, he began working at Valley Ag, with his cousin, Ron Madsen. What was to be a few weeks of work, turned into 9 years. Larry could often be found tinkering in his garage, out at the stables, or at his daughter’s home. He could and would fix anything, usually deep in thought, and a flashlight in his mouth. Larry also created many beautiful wood and metal sculptures as gifts for his friends, family, and the community. Larry loved the Black Hills and took his family there every year on vacation. They enjoyed camping, fishing, and boating. In later years, Larry, Gary, and their families enjoyed trips to Gary’s land near Custer, fishing, boating and most important, “antiquing”.

Larry is survived by his wife, Cyndie, daughters Michelle (Travis) Hinton, and Jennifer “Madsen” Law, grandson Treyton Law, (Will Kavanaugh, Jacob, Caleb, Colin). Brother, Gary (Gayle) Madsen, Mother-in-law Carol E. Anderson, Brother-in-Law David (Jolie) Anderson, Aunt Barbara Reelfs, and Cousin Richard Stroshane. Nieces and Nephews: Tonya (Heath Rodney) Madsen, Jason (Jamie) Madsen, Trevor (Martiza) Madsen, Bj (Brandi) Campbell, Brittany (Cody) Sage, and Matthew (Jessica) Anderson. Great nieces and nephews: Addison and Ayson Anderson, Crew and Hayes Madsen, Jaxon and Brinley Sage, Jaylon and Kierra Campbell, and Ester Madsen.

He was preceded in death by his father, Irven C. Madsen, mother, Jeanette “Jeanie” Madsen (Thies). Father in-law, Laurence Anderson, and Uncle Ernest (Barbara) Reelfs.

On Tuesday January 9th, visitation will be held from 5-7pm, with a prayer service at 7pm, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vermillion South Dakota. Please bring your stories to share with Larry’s family and friends. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday January 10th at 10:30am, at Trinity Lutheran Church, followed by military rights. Funeral services officiated by Pastor Jim Fowler, and Pastor Greg Billberg. Larry will be interred at a later date.