Darlene’s Obituary Darlene LaVonne Larson Kennedy, 83 of Beresford, South Dakota went to be with the Lord on February 12, 2019. She was born on April 4, 1935 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to parents George and Nellie Larson. Darlene was a graduate of Washington High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Following graduation, Darlene worked at the Minnehaha County Treasurer’s Office as a secretary. She married Robert (Bob) Kennedy of Beresford, South Dakota, on September 14, 1957. They farmed in the Beresford area until 1995.
A nurturing and devoted mother of four, Darlene enjoyed being a hands-on, constant presence in all of her children’s lives and took great joy in spending time with all of her grandchildren. Darlene had an adventuresome spirit and she and Bob traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad, visiting over 38 countries, five continents, and 49 states. She also enjoyed church activities, gardening, shopping, and spending time with friends and family.
Darlene was a committed Christian and a woman of remarkable humility and personal integrity. Darlene was baptized and confirmed at Westside Evangelical Free Church in Sioux Falls and later became a member of Brooklyn Evangelical Free Church in Beresford where she was an active member of the choir. She was proud of her Norwegian heritage and South Dakota/Sioux Falls roots.
Her loving and gentle spirit was evident to all whom she encountered, and she will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Robert (Bob) Kennedy, and her four children: Dave (Jaye Peterson) Kennedy, Scott (Kaye) Kennedy, Todd (Renee) Kennedy and Karen (Mark) Gehl; six grandchildren: Erin Andry (Rob), MaryEllen Kennedy, Kelsey Jorgensen (Clay), Blake Kennedy, Carter Kennedy, Michael Gehl; one great-grandson, Declan Andry and two sisters, Bonnie (Dick) Shogren, Delores (Gordon) Hansen, and 26 nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her father, George Larson; mother, Nellie (Olsen) Larson, and brothers, Clifford Larson and Eugene Larson.
As we celebrate the life of Darlene, beloved wife and mother, her faithfulness to God, and the rich legacy she left behind, we are tremendously grateful for and comforted by the knowledge that she is in the presence of Jesus, more vibrantly alive than ever. Visitation will be held Friday, February 15th from 5 to7 pm at Wass Funeral Home in Beresford, SD with a prayer service at 7 pm. A celebration of Darlene’s life will be held on Saturday, February 16th at 1:30 pm at Brooklyn Evangelical Free Church.
A private family burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Gideon’s International, Lincoln Union Gideon Camp, Attn: Ardel Knutson, 407 S. 3rd Street, Beresford, SD 57004. “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”.
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