Larry Neuberger

Larry Philip Neuberger was born on August 18, 1940, to Leonard and Kathleen (Gray) Neuberger in Canistota, South Dakota. During his younger years, Larry enjoyed hunting and playing football – two activities that he continued to love for the rest of his life. Larry was baptized on September 22, 1940, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Canistota, South Dakota, and was later confirmed there on May 9, 1954. During high school, Larry attended Canistota High School, graduating in 1958. Following his high school graduation, Larry furthered his education at the University of South Dakota in Springfield where he later graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Education. It was during his early adulthood that he and Bonnie Stickel, the love of his life, first met each other on a blind date. On June 17, 1961, that blind date turned into a lifelong marriage as the couple were married at First Lutheran Church in Brookings, South Dakota. This marriage was blessed with the birth of their three children, Michelle, Todd and Chad.

Education always had a special place in Larry’s heart. Upon graduating college, Larry started his teaching career in 1966 in White Lake, South Dakota at the high school as a History and P.E. teacher, and football coach. In the summer of 1968, Larry & Bonnie moved to Lake Benton and he started teaching History and P.E. at Lake Benton High School. He was also a coach for football, wrestling, and track during his time there, pouring his heart and soul into his students until he retired in May of 1999. His 31 years of dedicated service to the Lake Benton High School will never be forgotten. His passion for his students extended into his retirement years as he continued to support Lake Benton School and other community activities. Larry was a huge Alabama Crimson Tide football fan his entire life and had a deep respect for Coach Bear Bryant; it was with this same level of respect that Larry cared for each of his own students.

When Larry was 20 years old, he enlisted in the Army serving from 1960 to 1962 until being honorably discharged. In 1976 he enlisted in the Army National Guard where he served for 19 years. He was a proud and dedicated member of the Henry Sollie Post #10 for 45 years. Larry has been a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Lake Benton since they moved to Minnesota. He was also a member of the Lions Club and was a first responder in Lake Benton for many years.

Larry also enjoyed being outdoors, whether it was hunting, fishing or traveling the world with Bonnie (they were particularly fond of Europe). Larry and Bonnie spent 19 winters at the Winter Haven Resort in Brownsville, Texas where they met many wonderful people who became their lifelong friends. The couple could often be found playing Hand and Foot, Black Jack, and Bingo with their Lake Benton friends. But above all things, Larry most loved being a grandpa. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids from babies into adulthood; always attending and supporting their activities. As Bonnie’s dementia began, he became her caregiver. His unwavering love and support was very evident when he was with her.

Larry passed away peacefully at the Good Samaritan Luther Manor in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on August 9, 2024 at the age of 83 years, 11 months and 22 days. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Bonnie Neuberger of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; children, Michelle (Terry) Adams of Sioux Falls, Todd (Cheryl) Neuberger of Sioux Falls, Chad (Theresa) Neuberger of Worthington, Minnesota; grandchildren, Zachary (Shelby) Adams, Nathan (Rudi) Neuberger, Lauren (Casey) Rhoda, Kaitlyn (Jason) Barker, Karly Neuberger, Madison Neuberger, Jacob (Jessica) Neuberger and Evan Neuberger; great-grandchildren, Graham Rhoda, Nelle Neuberger, Ada Barker, Noah Rhoda, Palmer Barker and Jules Neuberger; his sister- and brother-in-law, Patty and Jim Healy; and many nieces and nephews. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Kathleen Neuberger; and his sister, Jean Neuberger.