“Work Hard and Be Kind”
Words and music by Tyler Bills
with Mrs. Scharf’s 5th Grade Class
©2023 Tyler Bills
Born in Gregory South Dakota in 1939
On his family farm is where he spent most of his time
Milking cows and working the land
He was a good student and thought teaching was grand
Graduation in 1957
Working on the farm his own piece of heaven
He was asked to substitute and he came to their aid
Little did he know he would teach 8 different grades
Moved to Spearfish in 1966
Worked for the BLM out in the sticks
1968 went to Black Hills State
His life was coming together Larry’s gonna be great
Chorus
Larry Vavruska is his name
So many lives he has changed
He farmed the land and has taught young minds
He tells to us to work hard and be kind
Do do dooo x2
A new chapter in Larry’s life
While teaching in Belle he met Carol his wife
Was the only male teacher Became the sponsor for cheerleaders
The parents trusted him to be their leader
Manager of business for Spearfish schools
For 20 years taught them to play by the rules
He loves the Black Hills and all of its seasons
He wouldn’t leave this country for any reason
Decided to retire and try to slow down
But Larry can’t stop helping out this town
Got his real estate license but that’s not all
He went to help his friend at the funeral hall
Chorus
Larry loves when former students come say hi
And how big of an impact he made on their lives
Simple things like family and prime rib
He doesn’t have a bucket list but sure knows how to live
Has a beautiful family right here in Spearfish
Kraig, Kyle, their wives and 6 grandkids
Be kind to one another and learn as much as you can
No doubt now we know, Larry is the man
Chorus
He might be retired and restless
But Larry is blessed with success
Keeps his family close to his heart
Let’s thank Larry for doing his part
Larry Vavruska was born on October 10th, 1939 in Gregory, South Dakota. His father, Jerry, and mother, Esther, raised him on a dairy farm where he milked cows by hand. He has three sisters: Leola, Lois and Lucille. Larry went to a country school with all eight grades in the same building. One of his favorite memories of school was having his best friend, Tony, by his side from first grade all the way through 12th grade. During his time in the country school, most of his teachers were female, but he remembers that in fourth grade he had a male teacher which was rare for a country school. Larry remembers participating in some school plays, but living ten miles out of town made it difficult to do after school activities. Larry graduated from high school in 1957.
Mr. Vavruska’s first job was helping his dad on the dairy farm. After that, he was asked to substitute teach in a rural country school because they didn’t have a teacher. He ended up teaching the entire year. Later, he pursued his teaching degree from Black Hills State College. After graduating, Larry taught business classes at Belle Fourche High School. He then worked as the business manager for Spearfish School District for 25 years. Larry continues to serve others by working as a real estate agent for Century 21 and has worked part time the past 17 years as a funeral director assistant for Fidler-Isburg Funeral Homes. He has totally enjoyed every job he has ever had.
Larry met and married his wife Carol from Belle Fouche 49 years ago. From this marriage, two boys were born, Kyle and Kraig. Having both of his sons and their families living in Spearfish and having success is Larry’s proudest accomplishment as an adult. His six grandchildren are closest to Larry’s heart.
Larry loves living in the Black Hills where he can witness the changing seasons. He enjoys his cabin in the hills and enjoys being at home in Spearfish. Mr. Vavruska plans to continue to work forever because he still enjoys it.
Mr. Larry Vavruska has lived in Spearfish for the past 42 years and has made a significant difference in the lives of other people. When asked what advice he had for young people of today’s society, he advised them to work hard, be honest in everything you do, learn as much as you can, and be helpful. Mr. Vavruska’s wisdom to us was to be successful in whatever you are doing and be as kind as you can. He believes that he has been blessed with a good life. Thank you, Larry, for all you have done!