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Harvey Wollman

Political Frankfort, SD

Harvey Wollman was born May 14, 1935 in the house where he currently lives with his wife Anne, who he married 58 years ago. Harvey attended a one room school his first 8 years, and had only one classmate. He attended Doland High School, graduating in 1953. He was elected Senior Class president, was a High School debater, and won first Superior as a Baritone Soloist at the State Music Contest. He helped his father on the farm for a year, attended Bethel College in St. Paul for one year and returned to the farm and attended Huron College, earning a degree in Business Administration. He met his wife Anne Geigel while both were members of the Huron College Choir. Harvey entered the US Army and served two years with the Third Armored Division assigned to Division Headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany. Harvey accepted a Teaching position at Doland High School, teaching US History and US Government, and coaching the debate team to 3 State Championships. He ran successfully for the State Senate in 1968, was elected to three consecutive terms, and was chosen by his peers as Senate Minority Leader, then Majority leader. He joined the Ticket as Governor Richard Kneip,s Lt.Governor in 1974. He was the first Lt Governor to succeed to the Governorship in 1978. His legislative accomplishments include being sole sponsor of the Bill creating the South Dakota Investment Council, Prime sponsor of the Bill creating a four year MD degree, The Housing authority Bill, among others. He was a member of the State Constitutional Revision Commission and enjoyed leading in the establishment of a Cabinet System in the Executive Article as well as creating a Unified State Judicial System.

Landmark Legislation to Build South Dakota

His service after his defeat as a candidate for Governor included being appointed by President Carter as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army. He served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Huron College, Chairman of the Board at Huron Regional Medical Center, Township Board Chairman, Mission and Services Board member at his church, and a member of the Seminary Graduate School of Fresno Pacific College. Harvey earned a Commercial Pilots license and flew single Engine airplanes for 50 years. Harvey and Anne have three Children, Kristine, Michael and Daniel, all in professional positions with ELCA Lutheran Ministries. seven Grandchildren, 4 of whom have graduated College or Universities and three preparing for College. Harvey and Anne, now in their early 80,s continue to sing in Church Choirs which is how they met 60 years ago. The travel annually in the US and abroad, and enjoy country life on the Wollman homestead where they have actively farmed for over 50 years in Spink County.

Nominator: Kristine Wollman

This is What Possibility Looks Like

Possibility starts with the hopes and dreams of individuals. Through determination and hard work, it becomes a reality. We’d like to congratulate you on being inducted into the 2017 South Dakota Hall of Fame. Your accomplishments have benefited our state, communities and the lives of countless individuals. Thank you for believing in possibility.

Miles Beacom CEO and President, PREMIER Bankcard Dana Dykhouse CEO, First PREMIER Bank

Dave Rozenboom President, First PREMIER Bank

Believe in Possibility. firstpremier.com