Larry L. Ryken

Larry L. Ryken, age 82, of Yankton, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Avera Majestic Bluffs Hospice House.

A memorial service will be at 2:00 PM on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Twist of Pine in Yankton, South Dakota. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the memorial service on Thursday. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery in Mayfield, South Dakota at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton.  www.twistofpine.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to: Carl Youngworth Scholarship (PO Box 133, Yankton, SD 57078), YHS Basketball and Football Alumni (2511 Burleigh Street, Yankton, SD 57078), or Yankton Girl’s Softball Association (PO Box 103, Yankton, SD 57078).

Larry was born on April 22, 1943, in Vermillion, South Dakota, to Mark and Marjorie (Albers) Ryken. He grew up in Centerville, where he developed his love of community and competition, and graduated from Centerville High School in 1961. He went on to attend Yankton College, graduating in 1965, and later pursued his passion for auctioneering at the Western College of Auctioneers in Billings, Montana, graduating in 1967.

That same year, Larry married Donna Merritt on June 10 in Vermillion. Together they purchased Yankton Livestock in 1968, continuing a family tradition as his parents had previously been partners in the market. Larry poured his heart into the livestock business and quickly became known for his commanding skill on the auction block. In 1969, he earned runner-up honors in the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship, and in 1980 he built the north barn at Yankton Livestock — a lasting symbol of his dedication. He continued auctioneering for decades, becoming a familiar and respected voice in the region, and shared the bond of that work with his sons Mark and Lance, who both helped at the market.

After Donna’s passing in 1981, Larry’s life was brightened again when he met Jamie Robinson. The two married on September 30, 2000, and together shared many joyful years filled with laughter, travel, and memories made with family and friends.

Larry lived with a spirit of commitment — if he chose to do something, he gave it his all. He poured that same energy into amateur baseball in Yankton, spending countless hours coaching and recruiting players. In 2015, his contributions were recognized with induction into the Yankton Baseball Association Hall of Fame. A devoted New York Yankees fan, he was rarely seen without his navy “NY” cap.

Larry also loved the outdoors, especially time on the water. He treasured fishing trips with his family — from local lakes and rivers to adventures on the banks of Prince Rupert, British Columbia, and even the Arctic waters of Kobuk, Alaska.

In 2003, with his deep background in livestock, Larry partnered with Chad Berger as a stock contractor in the Professional Bull Riders Association (PBR). He traveled the country, watching his bulls in competition. Their operation quickly rose to prominence, earning recognition as the 2006 Stock Contractor of the Year. The following year, they claimed the championship at the 2007 PBR World Finals in Las Vegas — cementing their place among the sport’s very best.

A proud supporter of South Dakota State University, Larry was a Jackrabbits fan and donor, attending countless games over the years. Above all, he cherished his family — cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events and enjoying the simple peace of the outdoors and the wildlife around his home.

Larry is survived by his wife, Jamie Ryken of Yankton; his children: Lance (Ann) Ryken, Mark (Melanie) Ryken, Lisa Ryken, and Patrick Ryken, all of Yankton; and Lilly Ryken of Chicago, Illinois. He was a proud grandfather to Rex, Rugby, Mac, Drew, Beck, and Albie Ryken.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mark and Marjorie Ryken, and his first wife, Donna Ryken.