RAPID CITY - Larry G. Baesler, 57, died Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008, at his home in Rapid City. Larry Glen Baesler was born and raised on the family farm north of New Leipzig, ND. Nature and the outdoors were always an intimate part of Larry's life. As a young man he hunted, fished and trapped along the Antelope Creek. Fully embracing the outdoors, his passion for nature led him to pursue a degree in biology from the University of North Dakota, where he also completed his Masters Degree in 1975. At college, Larry met the person with whom he wanted to share his life, Marcie Tavis. Larry and Marcie were married in December of 1973. Larry and Marcie moved to Texas, where Larry worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In 1978, they moved back to North Dakota to continue life on the family farm and raise their three children: Chris, Sara and Rebecca. Larry was a devoted family man from the beginning. Sharing his love and passion for the outdoors, he taught his children to hunt, fish and trap and involved them in the working lifestyle of the farm. Larry used modern conservation principles to manage the farm through food plots, planting trees and soil conservation. Larry's deep faith in God was interwoven in everything he did. Larry was active in the Lutheran Church in New Leipzig and worked alongside of Marcie to instill faith in their children by teaching Sunday School, leading youth groups and serving in various other roles in the congregation. Larry was involved in community activities. He taught Hunters Safety and believed in supporting hometown businesses whenever possible. He deeply loved his community and was torn when the family farm became increasingly difficult to manage prompting a career change. His passion for the outdoors led him to begin a career in conservation. Larry began working for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation as a Regional Director raising money for elk and their habitat. He then went on to be the Director of the Wyoming Wildlife Federation and most recently returning to RMEF as a Lands Programs Director. His most recent and influential conservation projects included the preservation of Teddy Roosevelt's Elkhorn Ranch and multiple land easements within the Black Hills Conservation Initiative. During his seven-month battle with cancer, Larry remained dedicated to his work in conservation and continued carving antlers, making knives and writing outdoor articles. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the South Canyon Lutheran Church. A prayer service and time of remembrance will be at 7 p.m. at the church. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at the church with the Rev. Bruce Thalacker officiating. A memorial has been established at Caring Bridge (caringbridge.com) or the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.