Larry Pavlish

Funeral Mass for Larry Pavlish, 71, of Sturgis, SD will be 10:00 am, Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Dickinson, ND, with Msgr. Richter celebrating. Burial will follow at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, New Hradec.

Visitation will be 5 pm - 7 pm. Monday, June 15, 2026 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson with Rosary and Vigil taking place at 6:00 pm.

Larry passed away Thursday, June 4, 2026 at his home.

Larry Charles Pavlish was born on June 7, 1954, in Dickinson, ND to Charles and Jennie (Semerad) Pavlish. He grew up on the family farm north of South Heart with his sisters Darlene and Karla. He attended South Heart School, graduating high school in 1972. Following high school Larry attended North Dakota State School of Science earning an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Electronics Technologies. Larry married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Marsh, on September 16, 1976. Their son, Ryan, was born on July 23, 1984.

After college graduation Larry began his remarkable 45-year career with Sperry Flight Systems which eventually became Honeywell. Larry played a vital role in testing and troubleshooting Boeing 747, F-15, and B1 flight computers and Space Shuttle systems. He was instrumental in resolving technical issues involving defense and space programs, the International Space Station, satellites, and the Artemis space capsule program. Larry was proud of his team's contribution to the Hubble Space Telescope program.

Larry was a kind and devoted husband to his beloved wife, Sandy, and a loving father to his son, Ryan. He cherished his extended family and treasured the many friendships he cultivated throughout his life. He was a hero to his nieces and nephews. Larry was the Host of Hosts. He loved entertaining large groups in his home in Glendale for years. His motto was the longer the guest list the better. He generously invited family and friends to come to the home he and Sandy built in the Black Hills. In fact, he and Sandy were expecting to host the Marsh siblings for a few days this week.

As a young man, Larry enjoyed playing basketball and excelled as a high school athlete. In later years, he followed and supported the local high school athletes in the Glendale, AZ area. He relished a good round of golf with his friends.

Larry and Sandy enjoyed exploring art fairs and festivals. He became an avid art collector, appreciating local artists and their work.

In retirement Larry found pleasure in working in his garage and his yard. He enjoyed listening to music, watching cooking shows, supporting unique local businesses. A lifelong learner and avid reader of nonfiction, Larry nurtured his curiosity about the world. He was a news enthusiast starting his day reading and comparing news from a variety of news outlets. Once settled into their new home in SD, Larry became involved in neighborhood projects, working alongside community members.

Larry delighted family and friends with what became affectionately known as "Larry-isms"- bits of wisdom delivered with a generous dose of humor. He was an optimist who always looked at the bright side of life. Larry never had a bad day; he always found something good to say about the world around him. He will be remembered for his generosity and compassion. He quietly supported many charitable organizations, especially those dedicated to improving the lives and well-being of children.

Larry is survived by his wife, Sandra, his sister Karla Kieser, and a large extended family.

He was preceded in death by his son, Ryan, his parents, Charles and Jennie (Pavlish) Herberholz, his stepfather Matt Herberholz, infant brother Joseph, in-laws Richard and Frances Marsh, sister Darlene Wolf, nieces Stephanie Hayes and Marchell Moderow, and brothers-in-law Duane Marsh, Mike Wolf, Bob Kieser, and Ken Kuylen.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to St. Jude's Childrens Hospital in memory of Larry.