RAPID CITY -- Stephen Erik "Salsa" Larson, 20, Rapid City, SD, left this earth on Tuesday, April 24, 2012. He was born in Rapid City on March 15, 1992, and placed in the forever loving arms of Gary and Kendra Larson on March 25, 1992 (on his sister's 6th birthday). Stephen was a treasured gift. Stephen attended Corral Drive Elementary School, Southwest Middle School, and graduated from Stevens High School in May of 2010, and attended Black Hills State University for a short time. In his early years, he enjoyed participating in a variety of sports. Salsa was an accomplished snow boarder and skier. He also played the violin and piano and enjoyed playing the saxophone in the Stevens Band. Stephen was well traveled for his young years, enjoying an extended trip to stay with a family in Germany for a few weeks and being able to see the country when he was a sophomore, traveling with his German classmates and then again to see seven countries traveling with the Stevens Band when he was a junior in high school. Stephen shared trips with his family and friends, frequently to Aspen, CO, and Disney World, and touring Italy and Argentina. Stephen loved feeding the pigeons in Venice, the cats in Rome, eating gelato in Florence and especially enjoyed the butterflies at Icquazu Falls in Argentina and watching the people in Buenos Aires. Stephen, known as "Salsa" to most, was a gentle giant, with a heart big enough to hold the love for many, always caring and considerate, never hurting or judging. He walked to his own beat and lived with his own beliefs and convictions. He joined his many friends walking the path less traveled. They were loyal to one another and supportive of each other when considered to be different. His joy was hanging with his friends and the recent love of his life, Hayden, age 2, daughter of a friend, that he considered his Goddaughter. They had a special relationship. Stephen was a member and was confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church. As most young people do, he struggled with his faith in God and hopefully now is at peace with other family and friends in Heaven, watching us struggle with our loss of him and the outpouring of love from others. He knew he was loved deeply; he is now being reaffirmed with that love. Salsa enjoyed rock climbing, watching movies, gaming and just "hanging out" with his friends. He loved animals, especially Shadow, his yellow lab mix. She slept with him every night and was always by his side. She misses him. Stephen donated his time to the YFS Kids Fair on several occasions. He also donated his beautiful brown hair to "locks of love" in honor of his sister and will again now. We miss him and will always treasure our short 20 years with an exceptional young man. Survivors include his parents: Kendra and Gary A. Larson; his brother Nathan, wife Ami and nephew Hunter and niece Aspen; his sister: Lauren; grandparents: Roger and Kathryn Larson, Evelyn Graff and Pat Erickson; aunts and uncles: Wayne and Sheri Larson of Dallas, TX; Mavis and Ken Dugan and Randy and Linda Erickson of Rapid City; Pam Chaussee of Ft. Collins, CO; and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Richard Erickson and Virgil Graff; and his aunt and uncle, Marlene and David Cowling. Visitation will be 3-5 pm Sunday, April 29 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home, 2700 Jackson Boulevard. Services will be 10:30 am Monday, April 30, at Calvary Lutheran Church, 5311 Sheridan Lake Road, with Rev. Dwight Stensgaard officiating. Inurnment will follow at a later date. In Stephen's honor of a life well lived for 20 years, please wear casual attire and come in the spirit of celebration. Stephen was a gift on March 25, 1992, and we have slowly been unwrapping the package of his life-he is now free of the ribbon. Be thankful with us. A memorial has been established.