Larry Plendl

Hudson, SD: Larry “The Chief” Plendl, 80, of Hudson, South Dakota, died Thursday, August 1, 2024, at his home under the care of Sioux Cener Home Health & Hospice. A celebration of Larry’s life will be held Tuesday, August 6, at 11:00 AM at the Hudson Community Center. Visitation will be held Monday, August 5, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Porter Funeral Home in Hudson.

 Memorials may be directed to the Hudson American Legion.

 Raymond Lawrence Plendl, son of Harry Joseph and Helen Mildred (Bradley) Plendl, was born February 19, 1944, in LeMars, Iowa. Larry attended kindergarten through 6th grade at Elkhorn Township. He then spent 7th grade through his senior year at the Kingsley-Pierson School District, graduating in 1962. In March 1963 Larry entered the United States Navy where he proudly served his country until March 1967. As a veteran, Larry was an active member of the Hudson American Legion, Post 128.

 After the Navy, Larry worked for different companies building silos and digging wells. 1974 brought Larry to Rock Valley, Iowa where he started Larry’s Plumbing & Heating until 1999 when a ditch caved in on him. He then started driving heavy equipment for Pearson Excavating in Alcester, South Dakota and later Clausen Excavating in Rock Rapids, Iowa until his retirement.

 In 2001, Larry “Chief” started making bloody marys on Sundays at Waddy’s Bar & Grill in Hudson, South Dakota. When he retired, those bloody marys became his passion and he continued making them until shortly before his death.

 Larry will be remembered by his longtime companion, Linda Jansen of Hudson and their children, Wade Jansen (Jill Swets) and Andrea Jansen (Chris Nielsen), both of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; granddaughter, Nora Nielsen; sisters, Dorothy Sorensen, Paula Ball, and Mary Trout; brother, Joe Plendl; sisters-in-law, Judy (Tom) Lewis and Connie (Ryan) Richters; brothers-in-law, Terry Woodley, Ron (Jody) Jansen, and Galen (Debbie) Jansen; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry “Bud” and Helen Plendl; brothers, David Plendl and Kenny Plendl; sister LuEllen Woodley; brothers-in-law, Jens Sorensen, Evan Ball, and Donnie Trout; sisters-in-law, Marge Plendl, MaryAnn Plendl, Cynthia Plendl; and Cinda Plendl; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Cornie and Ruth Jansen.