Jarold Owen Larson

Aberdeen, SD-Jarold (Jerry) Owen Larson, 68, of Aberdeen died February 27, 2022, at his home. There will be visitation with family present on Friday, March 11, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Carlsen Funeral Home and Crematory.  

Burial will be in Mellette Cemetery.

We had to say goodbye to our brother Owen this last week. You may know him as Owen but he was born Jarold Owen Larson on March 7, 1953 to Cliff and Doris Larson of Mellette SD. Owen grew up on a farm being a part of all that goes on with farming. After he left home he wore many hats. College student, took flying lessons, real estate courses, was an Aberdeen DJ and later drove a fuel truck for many years until his retirement.

The Owen Larson that many knew was a bit of a mysterious character that did not seem to be an inviting individual. That Owen was an avatar, an enigmatic creation, seemingly aloof and prickly. Many others knew a different person. He was in fact a warm and caring person who would stretch his already tall frame to help his friends who needed it, and did so in many ways. There was kindness and generosity carefully concealed beneath a gruff exterior. In short, a loyal friend who could be counted on to appear when needed and in some cases, when needed most.

Owen did not impose himself on others who did not seek his company. He was in fact a very private person who remained so until the end. An initial conversation with him was not always for the faint of heart.  As first impressions go it could be a boon or a bust but usually a bit of a challenge. He would try to find the mettle in newcomers.

Owen was a challenger and arguably, at times a challenge himself. His wit and wisdom and even those terse and sometimes acerbic comments invited a choice, engage or ignore. For those who were able to see past the avatar the rewards were significant in that you were exposed to a man who was well educated in the ways of the world, had a wealth of experience from which to draw, and was able to glean the chaff from most any subject.   

As happens in life so often, we find that those who we miss the most are those who challenged us in our beliefs and ideas. In those challenges we grow, and we learn and we become challengers ourselves.

Owen is survived by his brothers Wayne (Kim) Mellette; Bob, Georgetown TX; Donn (Suana) Manor TX, SIL Kathy (Rex), Mellette and sister Nikki (Mike) San Diego CA and many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Cliff and Doris Larson, younger brother Rex and nephew Adam. Rest In Peace. 

Carlsen Funeral Home and Crematory of Aberdeen has been entrusted with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jarold Owen Larson, please visit our floral store.