Larry Waltner, 88

Larry Waltner, 88, died peacefully Monday, Sept. 1, 2025 at the Ava House Hospice in Sioux Falls, S.D., surrounded by family. A memorial service was held Thursday, Sept. 4 at the Salem Mennonite Church (South), rural Freeman, S.D. Larry had requested no flowers, and memorials may be directed to Hope Haven.

Larry was born on June 1, 1937 to Ralph and Verda (Kaufman) Waltner of Hurley, S.D. On June 11, 1959 Larry married Catherine “Kay” Handwerk. To this marriage three children were born: Delryn, Marlyn and Charlynn. Larry spent his earthly time farming from an early age until he was 80, singing in quartets and church choirs, making beautiful music with his band singing and playing bass guitar, watching the Minnesota Twins and Vikings, and spending time with family. Larry absolutely loved playing music with his band performing often for local nursing home residents along with a concert at his farmhouse and even a driveway jam at his home in Sioux Falls. He looked forward every winter to visiting his many special friends in Arizona where he played in 4-5 jams per week.

Grateful for having shared his life are his two sons, Delryn (Carleen) Waltner and Marlyn (Leslie) Waltner; a daughter, Charlynn (Darin) Hay, all of Sioux Falls; six grandchildren: Brianna and Austin Waltner (Delryn), Layne (Blake) Hoium and Alex (Aly) Waltner (Marlyn), Cedric (Allie) Hay and Morgan (Ben) Kahler (Charlynn); eight great-grandkids: Hudson, Lux, Sutton (Hay), Kamryn, Brooks (Hoium), Emmett, Kelby, and Addilyn (Kahler); one sister, Karen (Jim) Wiebe, Beatrice, Neb.; and many nieces and nephews on the Waltner and Handwerk sides.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Kay; a brother and sister-in-law, Lonnie and Mary Waltner; a special niece, Melissa Waltner and special nephew, Lee Waltner; brothers-in-law Jack Handwerk and Bob Handwerk; and sister-in-law Bernice Aspley.