Lawrence “Larry” Dean Lape
February 22, 1941 ~ October 12, 2022
Larry Lape, 81, Valley Springs, passed away the morning of Wednesday, October 12, 2022, surrounded by his family.
Per Larry’s wishes, no services will be held. A Gathering of Remembrance in Larry’s honor will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022, from 2pm ~ 7pm at the American Legion in Valley Springs. Also per Larry’s wishes, no flowers, please.
Larry Dean Lape was born February 22, 1941, to Tim and Viola (Perkinson) Lape, He attended public school until 9th grade. He married his sweetheart, Kathy Swanson, on February 26, 1960. To this union, two children were born. Daniel was born on September 18, 1960, and Alison was born on April 18, 1962.
Larry and Kathy lived in Valley Springs all of their married lives. Kathy passed away on January 14, 2013. Larry was a hard worker and had many jobs throughout his life. He worked for the Ford Garage in Valley Springs, was the town man for Valley Springs, worked at Missile Muffler, and eventually retired from Luverne Bumper. He later also worked for a short time for the town of Brandon.
Larry raced from 1962 to 1969, when he lost his right leg in a stock car accident in Huron, SD. He was inducted into the Huset’s Speedway Hall of Fame in September 2020. Larry loved watching car races, going to car shows, loved to golf, and watching golf tournaments. He also enjoyed watching Jeopardy.
Larry had the best lawn in Valley Springs and was the standard for everyone else in town, regarding when to mow. He would go to breakfast daily and had several friends who would check on him when his health began to decline.
Larry is survived by his son, Daniel (Roberta), Valley Springs; his daughter, Alison (Paul) Leuning, Luverne, MN; grandson, Cody Lape, Sioux Falls; three brothers, Jack Lape, Sioux Falls, Den (Val) Lape, Valley Springs, and Kenny (Patty) Lape, Elkins, AR; three nephews, Ben (Shaina) Lape, Jed Lape, and Zachariah Swanson; nieces, Sony Swanson, Erin (Jared) Clawson, and Jessie Lape; and many friends and family.
Larry is preceded in death by his wife, Kathy; his parents; brother, Ron Lape; sister, Donna Marshall; brothers-in-law, Randy Swanson and Gene Swanson; sisters-in-law, Deb Lape, Rene Swanson, Karen Nichols, and Kathy Swanson; and his nephew, Owen Swanson.
You were very welcoming to me every time I seen you. Thank you! You will be missed!
Many memories of Larry as a kid, I ALWAYS saw him driving around on his mower (even when he wasn’t cutting grass 😉 Larry, mom will help you maintain the heavenly grounds. Rest peaceful old man
RIP.
So sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. He always had a smile ready and a story to tell. My sympathy to Larry’s family and all of his friends.
My thoughts and prayers for all the family and friends of Larry He was a good guy and will be missed by many.
My sympathies to Larry’s family & friends. He was a school friend of both my parents, Bobby Gross & Yvonne Swanson. I used to watch him race and remember him from Valley Springs. Always a smile. RIP Sir…