Martin  Barteld Larson, 49, of Rapid City, SD, was born to Doyle and Linda Larson on November 28, 1975, in Dubuque, Iowa. He grew  up valuing his faith in Jesus Christ, and this faith was foundational to the rest of his life.

Marty spent his early years in Iowa and Minnesota, moved to Rapid City while a junior in high school, and graduated from Central High School in 1994.He attended South Dakota School of Mines and Technology on a full-ride scholarship, earning his degree in December of 1998.

After graduation he moved to North Bend, WA and started working for Microsoft. In 2002, he married Sue Letellier from Norris, SD, and she joined him in North Bend.

They returned to South Dakota in 2004 where he continued working for Microsoft. Upon leaving Microsoft, his career path transitioned to aviation. He earned numerous flight certificates and ratings, quickly becoming a flight instructor and then onto a Designated Pilot Evaluator for the FAA. He was a highly respected resource for anyone who had questions about aviation.

Marty just knew things—lots of things. Everything he did, he learned to do with excellence—woodworking, software engineering, flying planes, flying gliders, and flying hot air balloons, teaching, baking bread, and restoring vintage machines. People were drawn to him because he truly listened and cared about what they were working through or working on; he could explain complex concepts without acting superior or talking down to people.

On July 12, 2025, Marty left this earth doing something he loved when he died in a single-engine plane crash near Hot Springs, SD.

Marty was preceded in death by his father Doyle Larson, mother-in-law Marjorie Anne Letellier, and his grandparents.

He is survived by his wife, Sue Larson, mother, Linda Larson, father-in-law, Jim Letellier, two brothers, Matthew (Lori) and Michael (Erin), sister-in-laws, LuAnne (Paul) Beckwith, Julie Letellier, JaLynn (Jason) Burma, and  13 nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home from 6:00-7:00 pm Thursday, July 17, with time to share memories of Marty starting at 7:00 pm.

A service to celebrate Marty's life will begin at 3:00 pm Friday, July 18 at Rimrock E. Free Church, 12200 SD Highway 44.

Marty will be buried at the Norris Community Cemetery in Norris, SD.

Memorial gifts will be given to Missionary Aviation Fellowship (MAF).

Arrangements with Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.