Larry Pullman, 85

Larry Pullman, 85, of Bridgewater, S.D., passed away on June 23, 2025 at Tieszen Memorial Home in Marion.

Larry Pullman was born on Oct. 24, 1939 in Freeman, S.D., to Clarence and Adina (Gross) Pullman. Larry served in the US Army as a medic in Germany. He then worked as a carpenter in California, building houses in Encino Hills, Las Villas Estates, and Ventura. There he met and married Velma Jenkins on Oct. 30, 1966 in Las Vegas, Nev. Larry and Velma then moved to Ohio and worked under the Ohio Carpenter’s Union in Portsmouth and in 1983, settled back in Freeman to take over his dad’s farm, where he raised cattle and hogs.

Larry was a member of the Bethany Mennonite Church in Freeman and a jack of all trades — he could fix anything and was always willing to help others. He volunteered for many years at the Freeman Food Pantry, until his health no longer allowed. Larry volunteered for several years at Habitat for Humanity, where he traveled to Georgia to build homes for those needing them. He was a man of few words, but always meant what he said. Larry enjoyed working with wood, fishing, collecting antiques, and going to antique shows. He loved all animals and they loved him. He loved feeding the birds and squirrels, especially when the squirrels came rapping at the door, looking for a piece of bread he always had waiting for them. He was also sure to supply Velma with all of the rose bushes she could take care of.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Velma of Bridgewater. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister and brother-in-law, Clarine (Howard) Mehlhaff.