ARTESIAN, South Dakota – A husband and wife were killed in a house fire in Sanborn County, leaving the community in mourning.
Authorities say Dave Larson, 81, and Paula Larson, 79, died in the fire on Wednesday, July 9. Cars were found abandoned in the driveway at their Artesian home, along with broken windows and burned siding.
“Everyone was overwhelmed with grief and shock. “Those types of tragedies don’t happen very often,” said Pastor Richard Poppen of Fedora Endeavor Presbyterian Church.
Poppen married the two at Artesian in 1973. He claims the husband and wife played an important role in the church. Dave served as treasurer, historian, and maintenance supervisor, while Paula accompanied the choir.
“Really enjoyed the music part of it, whether it was keyboard for Paula or just singing for both of them,” Poppen told me.
Beyond the church walls, the family owned a grocery store called “Larson Feed & Grocery,” which is now closed and displays their obituaries.
Poppen claims Dave also volunteered at the Fedora Fire Department.
“They just enjoyed having a good time with the community, with friends here at the church and all in and everywhere in the community,” according to Poppen.
Poppen says that since their deaths, people in the area have banded together to help fill the large void the two left behind.
“Last Wednesday night, following the tragedy, people came to the church here and met. And by the end of the night, all of their positions had been volunteered for except one, which we believe we have taken care of,” Poppen said.
As family members and friends remember the couple’s impact on the small town.
“The beauty of it all is that there’s an interest in continuing on, even in the midst of sadness,” Poppen told reporters.
According to the couple’s oldest son, Ed Larson, authorities believe the fire started near the air conditioner due to an electrical fault. Officials told him the fire was reported around 11:45 p.m. on Tuesday, but an investigation is still ongoing.
“Mom and dad were good people who valued their community. They showed up, were at church every Sunday, and attended ball games, plays, and events,” Ed Larson stated.
Both funerals will take place on August 2 at the Fedora Church.
