Lawrence “Larry” “Lars” Ilaug, age 89, of Watertown, SD, formerly of Dawson, MN, went to be in grace and peace early Friday, September 5, 2025 at his home surrounded by family. Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Lawrence “Larry” “Lars” Elmo Ilaug was born July 5, 1936 in Dawson, MN, the youngest son of Bernholdt and Alma (Skotterud) Ilaug. He grew up and attended Grace Lutheran Church and School in Dawson. After graduating in 1955, he enlisted in the US Army National Guard serving state-side for 9 years part-time. As a determined and dedicated young man, Larry labored with several jobs working around Minnesota. He moved to the Twin Cities and joined the Great Lakes Pipeline Company and Union in 1957. Becoming a lead operator, he met and worked with many people he spoke of fondly along the thousands of miles of pipeline in the Midwest. In his free time, Larry enjoyed the outdoors with friends and family, savoring good food and fun playing horseshoes, music and a few fragrant cigars and wine. He shared funny stories with his quick wit. His endearing conversations blessed many to smile and carry on along the way. Larry took a job in Marshall, MN in 1975 as the company changed hands to Williams Pipeline Company. He met Marlene (Dubbledee) Pries and took her hand in marriage in 1976 at Holy Redeemer Church. Larry committed to provide for his family – Marlene’s daughter and son and the blessing of a son of his own born in 1977. He was a carpenter and would build and fix things for us and neighborhood kids telling dad jokes all along. He loved to make people laugh and take life less seriously. Lars enjoyed traveling and took his family to Florida and Disney World more than once. He enjoyed his 4 brothers and sister and their many talents and times shared at holidays, camping, canoeing, fishing or grilling on the deck he built with their help. Entertaining his many nieces and nephews was a joy. In February 1987, Larry moved to Watertown, SD to work as the sole operator in the end station with the Williams Pipeline Company. He bought a house on North Broadway doing renovations on it and enjoying the “Great Places, Great Faces” state. He would help any neighbor that asked, volunteered and was a member of American Legion and Eagles Clubs. He endured several health matters and retired in 2000 only to get busy again as his health improved and he was able to help look after his 5 grandkids. Family and friends meant so much to him! Larry was a very giving soul. He sold the house in 2015 and moved to Pelican View Estates wanting to do his wood carvings, go golfing and fishing, and settle by the lake. After surviving a car collision in 2020, he slowed down. His youngest son stayed with him the past 10 years helping him around the cozy little house. By his 89^th birthday, his health was steadily diminishing, battling diabetes, heart problems and abdominal ailments. He longed to go home to the Lord.

Larry is lovingly survived by his son Jason Ilaug and grandchildren Isaac & Emily of Watertown, SD; step-son Tim Pries and step-granddaughters Samantha & Makayla of Russell, MN; and step-daughter Sheila (David) Sanderson and step-grandson Brandon of Sioux Falls, SD. He  is preceded in death by his parents, ex-wife Marlene, step-daughter-in-law Jodi, siblings: Fred, George Harold, Bernie & Thelma Jane (Donny) Delli Paoli, and many friends along the way.

Per Larry’s wishes to not have a formal service, please enjoy the Watertown area in your own time and memorialize him that way.