Lars was a fraternity brother that brought his A-game to everything he did.  He was a solid friend and his passion for life was infectious. I wouldn't see him for years and yet when we met he would start up the conversation like we had never been separated by those years. Once while traveling through Iowa with Tim Edwards we stopped for gas and went into the restaurant for food. Lars spotted us and we turned to a familiar booming voice across the room and a long talk followed. Everyone in the place knew that friends had just met up! On occasion Lars would travel to Rapid City and sometimes we would meet and we always picked up right where we left off when we last met years ago. The world was better with Lars in it and I extend my heartfelt sympathies to his sons and family.

I was a friend and fraternity brother of Lars. He also worked for me shortly after graduation - renovating motel rooms - Lars was game for anything. The world is missing a true “good guy” without Lars!

Lars and I were teammates in football, brothers at Theta tau, and house mates at Santa's Enchanted Village (where I was his nurse after his knee surgery), and the house across from Stratobowl (Uffdaville), while he finished school and I began working at RESPEC. Over the years, Lars stopped out at RESPEC many times when he was back in Rapid City . You could always tell he was in the building by his distinct (and loud) laughter and the many people that gathered in the hall to say, "Hello Lars".  One of my last memories of Lars was seeing him at a Mines' women's basketball game. After the game at least 1/2 the team came over and talked to Lars -- it was like he was a father to them all -- it confirm that Lars was caring and kind, thoughtful and trusting. Rest in peace big man.

Lars loved my sister Karen very much. We had many gatherings with them and their endearing banter. Playing cards with them was always good entertainment!  At last they are together again. They raised strong boys to carry on the name. 

Hans and Keld I am so sorry for your loss! 
Duane and Mary

Lars was a very good account manager and always went out of his way for the customer. He spoke with kindness and grace and will be missed by all who knew him. Rest easy Lars.

Lars was my best friend. I will never forget him. I was his golf partner, scotch drinking, and cigar smoking buddy for years.  I loved his sense of humor, and spent many late nights with him talking about his parents, his sons, and grand-kids. He would always get excited when he was planning to visit his family. The laughs we had are too many to mention!!! The late nights on the deck at the Scotsman were epic.....playing guitar and singing with Martin, Jon, Chuck, Elaine, Susan, Stacey, Diane, Dr Roger, Jeff, Ken....everyone loved Lars!!! We shared the most expensive  scotch and wine together, and smoked the best cigars. I will miss this gentle giant!! 

Lars was a gentle giant, with a kind heart.  I will miss him!!!  

So sorry to hear this sad news about Lars. Hadn’t seen Lars in a couple of years but we used to spend time reminiscing over old mining stories. How to dig holes and then fill them up again. He was a true master of his craft and I’m sure his workmates and crew will miss him badly. God rest his soul. 

Played football with Lars in college and we were fraternity brothers. He was a great teammate and friend. One of the nicest guys you’d ever meet. Only saw him at reunions over the years and it was fun to catch up. 
My prayers are with the family. He will be missed. 

I also worked with  Lars, aka Big man, at Camp T.  Those years were so special to all of us who were part of the that wonderful time.  So many great memories!  He was as easy going a person as you would ever meet.  Outstandingly smart also.  He was drafted by the NFL in college but declined in favor of using his metallurgy degree from SD School of Mines.  He will be missed by so many! 

Lars was very dear to us. He always had stories to tell and has been to our home with a bottle of Aquavit in hand as a hostess gift which we have enjoyed through the years. He was one of the ‘hood’ regulars at local watering holes - we will miss his gentle heart ❤️ 

Eric and Paulette Lee 

I worked at the Sioux Falls YMCA Camp Tepeetonka with Lars.  As with everything, Lars was bigger than life to not only the campers, but to his fellow staff members.  There are so many memories of not only camp, but visiting Lars in the Black Hills during his School of Mines years.  RIP Big Man!

Hans and Keld,
We are very sorry for the loss of your dad. Know that we are thinking of you in this difficult time.
Greg and Julie Himmelman

OBITUARY

Lars Ditlev

December 6, 1951 – January 24, 2021

Evergreen Funeral Home & Cemetery

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