Larry Gene Uken was born November, 8th 1939 in Yankton to Emil and Mary Elizabeth (Gotschall) Uken. He was raised on the family farm in rural Springfield. He graduated from Springfield High School. He served in the United States Army from ­­­1959 to 1965 and was also in the Korean War. Larry resided in the Yankton area much of his life. He enjoyed fishing, reading, completing crossword puzzles, and playing the occasional poker game. He was really interested in trivia and could answer any question a TV game show, like Jeopardy, might throw at him. In addition, Larry was a member of the VFW Post 791. The joy of his life was his family. He was especially proud of his daughters and grandchildren. He most recently resided at the Wakonda Nursing Home where he made many friends.

Grateful for having shared his life include: four daughters, Crystal Uken-Sherwood and husband Wayne of San Francisco, CA., Carla Steppat and husband Jeff of Yankton, SD, Angie Sander and husband Brett of Omaha, NE, Ranata Radcliffe and husband John of Scotland, SD; six grandchildren, Curtis and Collin Steppat, Alex Sander, and Anthony and Zach Radcliffe and Ashley Uken; three great-grandchildren, Serena, Chloe, and Syler; two brothers Ray (Lorna) Uken of Yankton SD and William (Eileen) Uken of La Habra, CA.; two sisters Leona Fryda of Springfield, SD and Mary Cathey of Oceanside, CA.; and one special nephew Emil J. Uken of Harvard, NE and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Glenn, Emil Jr., Leonard, and Leo; and two sisters, Lola Travnicek and Ruth Chacon.