Larry Lee Surrell was born on May 29, 1945, in Hettinger, North Dakota to Vincent "Bud" and Doris Surrell. He was born as the only son of six siblings.  In the eighty plus years that followed, Larry touched the hearts and changed the lives of many, was a little naughty, and put forth effort in life that was second to none.  Larry lived at the family farm in Hettinger throughout the entirety of his childhood, eventually moving to South Dakota, where he lived in Spearfish, until his passing on October 14, 2025.

After growing up in Hettinger, Larry served four years in the United States Army, being stationed in Germany.  Larry was a proud veteran and took very serious duty to country and family.  You could tell when Larry spoke of his time of service he was proud that he had done so.

Never to be one with an idle hand, after leaving the military Larry worked in the oilfields in southern North Dakota until 1968 when an opportunity arose to start working at the Homestake Gold Mine in Lead, South Dakota.  Larry remained employed at Homestake for thirty-two years, retiring in 2000.  Despite his jobs, Larry still managed to find time to always go back to Hettinger and help on the family farm.hile at Homestake, Larry met his first wife, Leora Phipps.  From this union produced a son, Tyler.  Leora and Larry ultimately divorced.  Thereafter, Larry met and married Joanna Hines. Larry and Joanna remained married until Joanna's death in 2023.  When Larry married Joanna, he got a bonus son, Mike. Mike and Larry quickly became best buds and really bonded over sports.

Still ever in need to provide and keep working, in retirement, Larry added another career.  Larry's best "locally" known job was working as a Pizza Delivery Driver for Pizza Hut in Spearfish. He delivered pizza for the next 20 years until Covid closed the Spearfish location.

Larry's intensity was not limited to his places of employment, as he was always "full throttle" in every aspect of life.  At home, you would always see him busy.  Whether mowing the lawn, painting the house, or taking on some other chore, Larry's mindset that there was always something that could be done and that boredom was just not a real thing. He also enjoyed volunteer work in his "free" time. He delivered meals on wheels in Spearfish for many years and volunteered to help with many local groups, especially helping out the local senior citizens.

Even in recreation, Larry was passionate.  This was especially true in Larry's passion for sports.  If there was a game on, Larry knew where to find it.  This was especially true when it came to his beloved Lakers, Dodgers, and Rams.  Aside from that, Larry would be out camping, fishing, playing tennis, throwing the horseshoes at the pit, and…perhaps…making that call to his bookie to make those "legal" bets.  Larry was also always down to tell a good story, and he loved to tell anyone that would listen, especially the funny stories.  We all know that "Larry Smile" when he told the story about how his dad and the Sheriff showed up on a bus to bring him back home when he was a child.  For some, he would use that as an example to say "kids are just kids."

What all who are close to Larry agree on about him is one thing---He would do anything for anyone and would place another person's needs, and even wants, ahead of his own.  This manifested itself in making sure that his family was taken care of before he was.  Often times, he would delay his own gratification so that others could find happiness earlier.  This did not stop his family, though---anyone who came across Larry was treated well with his easy-going nature, a nature that some of his siblings attributed him to being the only boy in the family.

Larry could be stubborn, yes, but that would be expected from a farm kid.  In honor of that stubbornness, and in recognition of Larry's sometimes unconventional ways, there will not be a standard funeral service for Larry, as he would not have wanted it.  Instead, a small family graveside service with full military honors for Larry will occur at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis on October 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.  A celebration of life will occur on November 1, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the V.F.W. in Spearfish. All those who knew and loved Larry are welcome.  At this celebration of life, Larry surely will not want us to be somber, but to celebrate.  We plan on making sure there is plenty of Schlitz and chocolate cake for everyone.  In honor of Larry's passion for sports, please do your favorite sport's team gear on November 1, if you so desire.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Doris Surrell; his sister Claudia; Leora; Joanna; and finally, his best buddy Spot the dog.

Surviving Larry are his children Tyler (Jill) Surrell of Rapid City, South Dakota, along with their children Lance and Elise; Mike (Jenifer) Stulken of Newcastle, Wyoming, along with their children and grandchildren Tyrel, Trenten, Andrew, Austin, Faith, Lily, and Anastaziaxkay; his siblings Cleo Kline, Lavonne (Steve) Wold; Colleen (Dan) Schmidt and Linda Sebunia; and last but not least, his other best buddy, Toby the dog.

Larry, you taught us a lot about being an amazing human being and how to live your life leading with your heart first.  Each time we grab a cold one after work, we will tip it in your memory.  Rest in peace, old man.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish.