Larry A. Vander Poel

Larry A. Vander Poel, age 74, of Irene, South Dakota, died unexpectedly at his home, Saturday, January 24, 2026.

Funeral services are 10:30 AM, on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton, South Dakota with Reverend Dani Jo Bierwagen officiating. Burial will be in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Yankton. Visitation is from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, on Wednesday, January 28 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton. Visitation continues one hour prior to the funeral.

Pallbearers are Keane Papstein, Randy Fuhrer, Jason Rye, Chris Hauger, John Sees and Larry Sees.

Larry was born September 7, 1951 in Pipestone, Minnesota to Peter and Betty (Rudd) Vander Poel. When Larry was three, the family moved to a farm west of Irene. Larry graduated from Irene High School in 1969. He then attended the University of South Dakota-Springfield for two years where he obtained a degree in Carpentry. On May 21, 1981, Larry married Debra Barkl in Yankton. Together they had a son, Clint. Larry worked in construction with his uncle, Butch Domogalski for many years. Thereafter, he operated his own carpentry business with help from Debbie and Clint whenever needed. Larry worked in carpentry for over 40 years including 10 years at the Human Services Center. Larry also drove truck for many years. He initially hauled scrap metal for Jensen’s, followed by delivering seed corn for Dakota Air in Worthing, SD. Larry’s next endeavor was delivering large homes throughout the state for SD Housing until retiring. In his spare time, Larry farmed, raising corn, beans and hay.

Larry loved horses and raised hundreds of horses over the years. He and his wife, Debbie hosted many horse events at their farm such as Team Roping, Team Penning, and Team Sorting. They also competed in many team roping events with their son, Clint. Larry also loved riding motorcycles and driving Ford Mustangs. He loved going to auctions and was always looking for a bargain. Larry enjoyed hunting, shooting and collecting guns. Larry and Debbie just recently took a trip to Florida to go wild boar hunting, which was something Larry wanted to do for a very long time. Larry loved meeting new people and was very outgoing. He always had a smile on his face and brought joy to so many. He will be greatly missed.

Larry is survived by his wife, Debbie Vander Poel of Irene; four siblings: Vicky Nickel (Kurt Whaley) of Sioux Falls, SD; Jeanie (Bob) Zavadil of Yankton; Gail Durnin of Yankton and Jim Vander Poel of Irene; and many nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Clint Vander Poel on April 6, 2010.