Larry Francis Svendsen

Larry Francis Svendsen, age 81, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Hospice of the Valley - Ryan House in Tempe, AZ. Funeral arrangements are pending for a later date.

Larry was born on May 19, 1945, to Robert and Gretta (Krier) Svendsen in Sioux Falls. He was their second son. Larry attended St. Mary Grade and High School in Dell Rapids and graduated in 1963. After high school he attended Catholic Seminary for a year, and then enlisted in the Army National Guard. He relocated to Portland, OR in 1965 where he worked for Fred Meyer grocery store for two years before landing with United Airlines at Portland International Airport. He worked for United Airlines as a baggage handler, and later as a fueler for 37 years until he retired in 2004. He spent 10 of those years in Portland, OR, approximately 16 years at LAX in Los Angeles, 2 years in San Francisco, and then helped to open the new Denver International Airport when it launched in 1995. He spent his retirement years living with each of his children throughout WA, SD and AZ.

On February 17, 1968, he married his long time sweetheart, Kristi Dybvig, originally of Colton. Together they had two children. They purchased 37 acres of property in Hood River, OR, living the first 3 years in an existing farm house, and then selling 10 acres and moving into a converted goat shed while they started the process of building their dream log cabin. This property, log cabin and “little cabin” would remain one of Larry’s most proud accomplishments.

Larry is survived by his children: Sonja (Rick) Sutton of Silverdale, WA, and Jim Svendsen of Bend, OR, 6 grandchildren - Melissa Souza, Samantha Couder, Maxxwell Sutton, Ray Hughes, KC Branson, and Terasa Holgerson; and six great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Gretta Svendsen; and brother Dale Svendsen.

Blessed be the life of Larry Francis Svendsen!