Memorial service for Helge C. Larson age 93 of Arlington will be at 10:00 AM Saturday, August 17, 2013 at the Lake Whitewood Church rural Arlington, SD. Burial will be in the Lake Whitewood Cemetery, under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Helge passed away Sunday, July 7, 2013 at the Golden Living Center in Arlington.

Helge was born September 23, 1919 in rural Arlington to Lars Fredrick "Fred" and Kajsa Sophia "Sophie" (Drugge) Larson.

Helge grew up on the family farm south of Arlington with his five siblings and attended rural school in Spring Lake, Township, Kingsburg County.

On April 26, 1941, Helge entered the military service. He received basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO and had further training with the Louisiana Maneuvers. He was assigned to the 6th Infantry Division. He was sent to California for desert training but after December 7, 1941 he was sent to Schofield Barracks, HI for jungle training. From there he was sent to the Southwest Pacific. While there he took part in the New Guinea Campaign. In 1945 he took part in the invasion of the Philippines at Lingayen Gulf and was in the Philippines until the war ended.

He was discharged as a Corporal on November 5, 1945. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star and numerous battle stars.

After the service he returned to Arlington and was employed by Arlington Creamery as a truck driver for two years.

Due to entering the service he waited to marry his sweetheart. So on October 24, 1947 he married the love of his life Pearl Larson in Arlington by the Justice of the Peace. The Larson's began their life together living on a farm 5 miles south and 4 miles west of Arlington. To this union came one daughter, Gloria. Pearl passed away on December 27, 1951.

Helge continued to farm many years in the Arlington area.

He was a long time member of the Arlington American Legion Egan L. Herrick Post #42 of which he was past Commander. He was also an active member of the firing squad for most of his life.
He was also an active member of the Lake Whitewood Church for many years.

He is survived by his daughter, Gloria Snyder (Vern) of Arlington, grandson Jason Snyder and special friend Leesa Bohr of Rapid City, granddaughter JoVonna Baxter (Jason) of Effingham, IL, 4 great-granddaughters, Ashlin, Aubrie, Payton, and Callie Baxter, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, 4 sisters and 1 brother.

Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Post #42.

Memorial has been established to the Lake Whitewood Church.