Larry D. Mattke, age 84, of Huron, passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at Huron Regional Medical Center. His Funeral Service will be at 10:30 AM on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at American Lutheran Church with burial at Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery in Huron. Visitation, with his family present, will be from 4-6 PM on Friday, February 17, 2023 at Welter Funeral Home.

Larry was born on June 23, 1938 to Elsie and Arthur Mattke in Huron, SD.  The love of God, agriculture, and service was instilled in him at a young age.  He was very active in his 4-H Club showing swine and cattle.  He enjoyed playing softball up into adulthood.

He had the privilege of attending Cain Creek Clifton #4 Country School, which was just up the road from the Mattke Homestead.  From there, he attended Huron High School and is a member of the graduating class of 1956.  After high school, he attended SDSU where he graduated in 1960 with a degree in Animal Husbandry. In November of 1960, he joined the US Army National Guard where he served until 1965 in the 153rd Engineer Battalion.

Not only did 4-H bring him a lot of joy in his younger life, but it also brought him the love of his life. Larry and Fern Marie Klassen met in 1954 and began dating two years later.  They were married on July 29, 1961, at American Lutheran Church in Huron, SD. Together they enjoyed a life full of love and adventures.  They enjoyed spending time with friends playing cards, bowling, and enjoying the moments as they came.

Soon into marriage they welcomed their first child, Roger, in 1962, their second, Craig, in 1963, their third, David, in 1967, and their only daughter, Theresa, in 1970.  With such a growing family, they kept busy with church and other family activities.  They were all very involved in 4-H as well, and Larry was inducted into the SD 4-H Hall of Fame in 2008.

Larry and Fern Marie spent a lot of time together volunteering for many different organizations.  Larry had a heart of service and firmly believed that we are on this earth to serve others.  He spent the majority of his life living this out while serving his community in various organizations. Their family was very active in their church.

When he wasn't serving, he could be found at Farmers' and Merchants bank where he worked in Ag Lending for 28 years.  He was a Beadle County commissioner for District 5 for 20 years. In his later life, he wanted something to do, and enjoyed delivering pizza at Dominos.

Fatherhood was wonderful for Larry, but nothing beat being a grandpa to his 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.  He did his best to instill a love of God, family, and hard work into each of his grandchildren. His wise talks and "tuition of life" moments are something that each grandchild treasures.  Whether it be from Jezzball on the computer, tinkering in the shop, or working with the cattle–many life lessons were learned along the way with grandpa.  Some of these lessons include:  Anger doesn't get you anywhere, the corners of the chocolate cake are always grandpa's, you have a good head on your shoulders–use it, you have to have a little cow sh–t in your blood, and always close the gate!

Life on the farm was always an adventure.  The adventure ended in the fall of 2021 when he and Fern Marie moved to town.  It was always a dream of his to watch the next generation take over and raise a family on the family farm.  It was a dream he was able to live out when his grandson purchased the family farm to continue the legacy.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother Leonard Mattke, his sister Phyllis Modine, one sister-in-law Betty Mattke, and his brother-in-law Harold Modine.

Larry is survived by his wife Fern Marie Mattke, 4 children: Roger (Natalie) Mattke of Lafayette, LA, Craig (Kathy) Mattke of Smithville, MO, David Mattke of Huron, and Theresa (Brian) Clements of Loveland, CO.  11 grandchildren: Tara (Ben) Bigalke, Dustin Mattke, Tyler (Jamie Kleinsasser) Mattke, Kylie (Jeremy) Krug, Myranda (Schuyler) Holtrop, Tessa (Kevin Castrinos) Mattke, Katlin (David Hopkins) Mattke, Emma Clements, Hannah Mattke, Aidan Clements, and Kimbella Clements, and 8 great grandchildren; and his brother, Jim (Karen) Mattke.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Beadle County 4-H, American Lutheran Church, ALC Christian Learning Center, HRMC Hospice, or charity of your choice.