Larry Emil Ketterling,
With a work ethic like no other and a devotion to his family, Larry Emil Ketterling, 77, passed away in his home on October 5, 2025.
Services: Visitation will be Monday, October 20, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 5508 Telegraph Rd., St. Louis, MO. Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the church.
Larry was born March 7, 1948 in Fredonia, ND to Emil and Emma (Freimark) Ketterling. He was the youngest of five children. The family moved from the North Dakota farm to Rapid City, SD, in 1953 when Larry was five.
During his first year in high school, Larry met his life-long partner and love of his life, Nicki Ann Johnson. They were married June 21, 1969 in Rapid City. They lived in Denver, CO; Rapid City; and Brookings, SD; before moving to St. Louis in 1983. They celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary this year.
Larry and Nicki had five children: Trevor (Marcie); Fairan, Garrett, Tristan, and Tomi Kaye (Quinton) Argent. Three grandchildren Gryphon Ketterling, and Sophia and Rodney Argent.
After 30 years of service to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Larry retired. During his service, he received numerous awards for providing critical geospatial-intelligence support in response to Hurricane Katrina; the attack on September 11, 2001; Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom to name a few. Also while working at NGA, Larry ran his own handyman business doing home repairs and painting. After retirement, he worked at True Value Hardware.
In his spare time, Larry was an avid softball player and bowler. He also spent years
riding motorcycles, playing dartball, cards and pool. His most recent favorite pastime was hanging out with his grandchildren.
Larry graduated from Rapid City High School in 1966. He attended the University of South Dakota following high school for a short period of time before moving to Denver, CO. He later attended South Dakota State University graduating in 1983 with a degree in geography.
Larry is survived by his four children and three grandchildren, one sister-in-law Bobbi Johnson Lower, Sioux Falls, SD, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in
death by his wife Nicki, his son Trevor and wife Marcie, his parents, and his siblings, Clarence (Jane) Ketterling, Andy (Pat) Ketterling, Esther (Al) Eslinger and Violet (Paul) Eslinger. KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY SERVICE.