2023 Anniversary Reunion Booklet

September 9, 2023

Dear Friends,

The South Dakota Hall of Fame is excited to announce the Anniversary Reunion for so many former Inductees.

This is a special event held during the Honors Ceremony weekend to celebrate again their induction into the South Dakota Hall of Fame, and to update their life stories. The Legacy of Achievement Program is where these legacies are featured. Please visit our website at www.sdhalloffame.org and click on the Legacy of Achievement Program. There, you will find an alphabetical directory of everyone who has been inducted. Life updates can be sent to info@sdhalloffame.org, or call us at 605.234.4216. The Legacy of Achievement Program is a valuable resource that ensures the life stories of our Inductees are preserved in perpetuity.

Enjoy perusing this catalog, and learn about our 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40-year Anniversary Inductees. Also, please visit our exhibit of the Anniversary Inductees at our Visitor and Education Center at 1480 S. Main St., Chamberlain, SD 57325. It is our pleasure to honor the Anniversary Inductee or their representative once more. They are forever Champions of Excellence for South Dakota, and their stories serve as an inspiration to present and future generations.

Sincerely,

Laurie Becvar, Ed.D., M.A. CEO

South Dakota Hall of Fame

The

LOCATIONS DURING THE WEEKEND Program

HONORS CEREMONY

ARROWWOOD CEDAR SHORE RESORT ACSR | OACOMA, SD

SD HALL OF FAME VISITOR & EDUCATION CENTER VEC | CHAMBERLAIN, SD

Friday SEPTEMBER 8, 2023

INDUCTEE REGISTRATION - ASCR

EARLY PUBLIC REGISTRATION OPENS - VEC

SD HALL OF FAME BOARD PRIVATE WELCOME RECEPTION FOR INDUCTEE(S) & GUEST(S) - ACSR

5:30 - 7:00 PM

PUBLIC GRAND OPENING - VEC

Saturday SEPTEMBER 9, 2023

BRUNCH & INDUCTEE PANEL DISCUSSION - ACSR

INDUCTEE MEET AND GREET AT THEIR DISPLAY TABLES - ACSR

ANNIVERSARY INDUCTEE REUNION AND CELEBRATION - VEC

SOCIAL HOUR - ACSR

HONORS CEREMONY BANQUET - ACSR LIVE AUCTION

ONLINE AUCTION CONCLUSION - ACSR

AFTER BANQUET RECEPTION - ACSR

PM.

Online Auction begins September 1, 2023 and will be open throughout the honors ceremony weekend. The auction will conclude September 9, 2023 at 8:30

2018 INDUCTEES

5 YEARS

Cleveland "Cleve" Abbott*

Nicholas Black Elk*

Rod Bowar*

Marilyn Hohm Hoyt

Thomas "Tom" Loveland*

Anne Rieck McFarland

Roger Musick

Dr. Rodney "Rod" Parry M.D.

Raymond "Ray" Peterson

John Thomas Porter

2013 INDUCTEES

10 YEARS

Miles Beacom

Ruth Brennan

Bernard Christenson*

Shirley Halleen

William "Bill" Janklow*

Dr. Dennis D. Knutson

Pat Lebrun

Thomas Louis Lillibridge*

Jerry Shoener

Charles "Chuck" Trimble*

2008 INDUCTEES

15 YEARS

Sue Brown*

Thomas Daschle

Gordon Fosness*

Rodney Fouberg

James O. Hansen*

Gordon Hanson*

Peter "Pete" Hegg

Elmer Karl

Evelyn Leite

Dr. James Martin

Dr. Donald Messer

Vernon Ronald Nelson*

Clint Roberts*

2003 INDUCTEES

20 YEARS

Charles Balcer*

John Egan*

Richard Ekstrum*

Alfred "Bud" Jetty

Sister Blanche Kribell*

Helen Madsen

LuVerne Madsen*

Thomas F Malone*

Rev. Stanislaus Maudlin OSB*

Roger McKellips*

Raymond Moore*

Ben Radcliffe*

Theodore Spaulding*

Vance Thompson

1998 INDUCTEES

25 YEARS

Frank Aplan*

James Aplan*

Bertyne Birkland*

David Christensen

Curley Haisch*

Rose Haisch*

John Hamre

Melvin Hanthorn*

Boyd Hopkins*

Eunice Hovland*

Howard Hovland*

Benjamin Kantack*

Pat O'Brien

Robert Penn*

Calvin Schultz*

Robert Wagner*

Anson Yeager*

1988 INDUCTEES

35 YEARS

Mahpiyato Blue Cloud*

Walter I Bones*

DeWitt Booth*

Columban Bregenzer*

William Donahoe*

Parnell Donohue*

Leif Hanson*

Jakways Kesling*

Dr. Charles Lien*

Paul Marschalk*

Winfred Reutter*

Mildred Sandal*

Leland Warne*

Karl H. Wegner, M.D.*

Korczak Ziolkowski*

Ruth Ziolkowski*

1993 INDUCTEES

30 YEARS

Raleigh Barker*

Lionel Bordeaux*

Dr. Roscoe Dean Jr., M.D.*

White Eagle*

Abner George*

Sylvia Henkin*

Warren Jones*

Joe Kirby*

Wallace Larsen*

John Milton*

George Mortimer*

Robert Perry*

Arthur "Joe" Quintal*

Leland Schoenhard*

Harold Schuknecht*

Mildred Sutton*

Leonard "Bud" Williams*

1983 INDUCTEES

40 YEARS

Bennie Bender*

Dr. Frank Creamer*

Carl Fischer*

Martin Houston*

Robert Hunt*

Arthur Johnson*

Joseph Koller*

Albert Lopez*

Mercedes MacKay*

Theresa McKinstry*

Edward Pillar*

Pat Schaaf

Herbert Schell*

Aubrey Sherwood*

Alfred Strandell*

Winifred Ziemann*

*Deceased Anniversary Reunion member

INDUCTEES

Cleveland "Cleve" Abbott

Nicholas Black Elk

Rod Bowar

Marilyn Hohm Hoyt

Thomas "Tom" Loveland

Anne Rieck McFarland

Roger Musick

Dr. Rodney "Rod" Parry M.D.

Raymond "Ray" Peterson

John Thomas Porter

CLEVELAND “CLEVE” ABBOTT

A WINNING COACH

Cleveland “Cleve” Abbott was raised in a time of real and perceived cultural disadvantages able to stop many. A strong South Dakota character, combined with natural abilities, took him to the world stage, making it a better place for all. In 1923, Abbott was asked to be the eighth head football coach in Alabama for the Tuskegee Institute Golden Tigers, for 32 seasons until 1954. His accumulated record still ranks first at the school in total wins, including six undefeated seasons, topped by six college football national championships. The stadium he personally helped build was renamed in his honor. Abbott became the first person of color to be a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee in 1946.

NICHOLAS BLACK ELK

A SPIRITUAL HEALER

Nicholas Black Elk, the great Lakota spiritual healer, was born into the Oglala Lakota tribe of the Great Sioux Nation. His life as a spiritualist was foretold in a dream he had as a nine-year-old while he lay in a coma, gravely ill. In this vision, he was taken by spirits into the clouds to meet with spiritual powers which he called grandfathers; these represented the six directions: North, South, East, West, earth, and sky. These grandfathers gave him sacred objects representing each of the directions and the responsibility of maintaining their circle of life, which he called the "sacred hoop." Internationally, Black Elk is the most famous Native American of the 20th century and arguably the world’s most well-known South Dakotan.

ROD BOWAR

A KENNEBEC COMMUNITY PILLAR

Rod Bowar, former manager and majority owner of Kennebec Telephone Company, Inc. (KTCI), had the most unique career path in South Dakota telecommunications. At the age of 14, Bowar’s labor was purchased at a charity auction by Lloyd and Delores Johnstone, then owners of KTCI. He continued working for the Johnstones, making his way to a management position at the company until 1998, at which time Bowar and his family purchased KTCI. Although one of the smaller phone companies in South Dakota, what Bowar contributed to his community through KTCI exceeds many corporate efforts. Everyone in Kennebec knew they could count on him. He made a big impact on seeing the rural town succeed.

MARILYN HOHM HOYT

CHANGING LIVES IN SOUTH DAKOTA

Marilyn Hohm Hoyt, a lifetime resident of Huron, South Dakota, has dedicated her life to improving the community one fundraising project at a time. She is credited with saving Huron College from closing its doors, successfully overseeing the creation of the Huron Recreation Center, the Huron Event Center, and the beautiful central park featuring a water park and bike path. Hoyt was appointed by Governor Janklow to serve on the state’s Board of Education, a position she held for over 20 years. To this day Hoyt continues to change the lives of South Dakotans through her work.

THOMAS "TOM" LOVELAND

A TRUE EXPLORER

Thomas “Tom” Loveland was a member of the first career-long generation of explorers studying the condition and changes of Earth from the vantage of space. Joining a new field called geographic remote sensing, Loveland spent over 40 years piecing together the contemporary land history of the planet while contributing ideas and leadership to expand global Earth-observation capabilities. Loveland devoted his career to advancing remote sensing and served as a South Dakota State University adjunct professor, teaching numerous remote sensing and geography courses for over 35 years. His most visible service, arguably with the most lasting impact, was his leadership in advancing the science and applications of the Landsat program.

ANNE RIECK M c FARLAND

AN INSPIRING ADVOCATE

Innovative, inspiring, inquisitive, and inclusive—these are just a few of the adjectives used to describe Anne Rieck McFarland, a long-time leader and advocate for people with disabilities. She was hired for her first administrative position focused on development and human resources. McFarland excelled at Sioux Vocational and, in 1996, became the first woman to lead the organization which was rebranded as South Dakota Achieve. Achieve grew to become a Top 10 Employer in Sioux Falls. South Dakota Achieve merged with Children's Care Hospital & School in 2014 to create LifeScape, an agency dedicated to empowering children and adults with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives.

ROGER MUSICK

A SOFTWARE PIONEER

With an engineering degree and an interest in electronics, Roger Musick began changing lives when he wrote a telephone billing system for Midstate Telephone Company. With an early interest in computers, when they were still considered toys, he changed the face of programming for the nation. His billing system was designed before personal computers or even video terminals, and it used a teletype machine on paper for all input and output. This program was the birth of the software division at Martin and Associates which ultimately provided the billing software for about 150 telephone companies and New York Teleport, the largest competitive carrier in the US which sold to AT&T in 1998 for $11.3 billion.

DR. RODNEY “ROD” PARRY M.D.

A LEADING PHYSICIAN

Dr. Rod Parry’s profound impact on improving healthcare in South Dakota spanned more than 40 years as a physician-practitioner, scientist, teacher, and leader of medical organizations, including, most notably, the state’s only medical school at the University of South Dakota. As a physician, Dr. Parry distinguished himself for his skills, knowledge, and compassion. He was one of South Dakota’s first pulmonologists, and Dr. Parry’s work on cystic fibrosis inspired him to help launch and direct South Dakota’s Cystic Fibrosis Center. It was under Dr. Parry’s leadership that USD’s medical school established unique and beneficial educational programs that enabled the institution to become one of the nation’s leading producers of rural physicians.

RAYMOND “RAY” PETERSON

EXCELLENCE IN THEATER

Upon graduation, Raymond “Ray” Peterson became the full-time designer/technical director for South Dakota State University Theatre, a position Ray held for 31 years prior to becoming the Administrative Director of Theatre in 2003. During his 40-year tenure at SDSU, Ray designed sets and costumes for over 200 theatre productions and directed countless musicals. These accomplishments and travels have resulted in a cherished collection of over 350 Broadway playbills from the plays and musicals. Perhaps Ray’s favorite involvement and most notable state-wide contribution is his work with the Miss South Dakota Pageant. This has led to a 52-year commitment to the Miss Americafranchised organization as Producer and Production Director, and he is known as “Mr. South Dakota”.

JOHN THOMAS PORTER

A LEADER IN INTEGRATED CARE

In the latter 1970s, John Thomas Porter helped set up the corporate structure for the Presentation Health System (now known as Avera Health). He was among a group of three or so people who collaborated to make management decisions for the facilities. In the 1980s, Porter was named president of the health system which included four hospitals at the time. Under his leadership, Avera has grown from 13 hospitals and nursing homes into a fully integrated continuum of care comprised of hospitals, clinics, long-term care centers, retirement communities, home care, hospice, sports and fitness centers, home medical equipment, health insurance, telemedicine, and more. Porter retired in 2018 from Avera after 44 years of service.

INDUCTEES

Miles Beacom

Ruth Brennan

Bernard Christenson

Shirley Halleen

William "Bill" Janklow

Dr. Dennis D. Knutson

Pat Lebrun

Thomas Louis Lillibridge

Jerry Shoener

Charles "Chuck" Trimble

MILES BEACOM

A LEADER IN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Under Miles Beacom’s leadership, the PREMIER organization (credit card division of First PREMIER Bank) grew to approximately 3,000 employees in five locations throughout South Dakota. The credit card base also grew from 30,000 accounts to over 3.5 million accounts and was recognized as the ninth largest issuer of MasterCard® and Visa® cards in the nation in 2007. Beacom started five companies while at PREMIER; two have been sold to out-of-state companies. Community involvement has been a critical piece of the foundation for Beacom and the PREMIER organization. He is dedicated to serving his community and holds leadership roles in various capacities and actively participates in fundraising campaigns.

RUTH BRENNAN

EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS

Ruth’s life in the art world stems from saying “yes” to opportunities. Each positive response brought her new directions, new friends, and new cultural roads. All were connected to strengthening cultural awareness for the public and to opening doors for artists in all disciplines. Brennan has served as president of the Rapid City Arts Council as well as Executive Director of the Dahl Arts Center. She led a statewide conversation for the state arts council to determine the interest and need for a community art council network. The positive response resulted in a network under the umbrella of the South Dakotans for the Arts. The organization now includes additional arts organizations and continues its role in the state.

BERNARD CHRISTENSON

SUPPORTING STATE PHILANTHROPY

After an intense decade in South Dakota law enforcement, Bernard “Bernie” Christenson, who had formed a friendship with Gov. George S. Mickelson, took on a new challenge. Gov. Mickelson wanted to create the South Dakota Community Foundation. He needed Christenson to raise $5 million to match two large pledges, and Christenson got it done in 11 months. By 1997, the foundation had $20 million in investment earnings which were used for grants to help South Dakota projects and groups. Today, the foundation has more than $150 million in assets. Christenson retired from the foundation in 2004. “I always told people the community foundation will be the lasting legacy of George Mickelson,” Christenson said. “That was a life changer for me.”

SHIRLEY HALLEEN

AN INSTRUMENTAL ADVOCATE FOR HEALTH EDUCATION

During her early years growing up in Powell, Wyoming, and throughout her entire life, Shirley Halleen has had a love of learning and a desire to help others, a combination that has made her a leader in several professions. Halleen was credited with introducing aerobic exercise activities to Sioux Falls. Her daily classes at the YWCA, Sioux Valley Hospital, and other locations around the city averaged 75-100 participants in every class. KSFY radio and KELO TV also provided venues for her leadership role in the field of health education for women. In her role as First Lady of Sioux Falls College for 14 years, she was instrumental in creating new events for both students and faculty as well as teaching courses throughout the area.

WILLIAM “BILL” JANKLOW

LONG STANDING SERVICE

William “Bill” John Janklow, served as South Dakota’s longest-serving governor. He served one four-year term as South Dakota’s attorney general (1974-1978), four four-year terms as South Dakota’s governor (1979-1987 and 1995-2003), and a one-year term as South Dakota’s member of the US House of Representatives (2003). In his 1982 bid for re-election, voters gave him the largest percentage of votes in a governor’s election in the history of the state. The Cato Institute named him the best governor in America. He was 39 when voters first elected him governor; he was 63 when he left office.

DR. DENNIS D. KNUTSON

A LEADER IN MEDICAL EDUCATION

Dr. Dennis D. Knutson initiated the leadership for teaching dermatology for the newly established degree granting University of South Dakota (USD) School of Medicine. During the next 32 years, Dr. Knutson maintained a busy practice, taught countless numbers of students and residents, served as Clinical Professor and Chairman of the Dermatology Division for the medical school, as well as being a voice for cutaneous health information throughout the state in print, on television and radio, and with informational lectures. Dr. Knutson never let go of his love for music despite a rigorous medical career and has performed on flute and piccolo with the South Dakota Symphony, Sioux City Symphony, and the Sioux Falls Municipal Band. He has been the principal flutist for several years for the Dakota Wind Ensemble and other musical groups.

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PAT LEBRUN

SUPPORTING OPPORTUNITY IN SOUTH DAKOTA

Pat Lebrun has impacted South Dakota in many ways. Along with supporting the arts and academics in South Dakota, research and its capacity to expand and improve the economy of South Dakota has been a very important concept for Lebrun. The Research Excellence: A Critical Hallmark committee was established and led to the South Dakota Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research grant from the National Science Foundation. Lebrun was a member of the initial committee. As a result of the initiatives to expand research at the universities, research has increased from $400,000 to $146,000,000 in 25 years.

SUPPORTING FUTURE LEADERS

JERRY SHOENER

A LIFE OF SERVICE

Jerry Shoener began his career selling the Rapid City Journal at 12 years old and stayed with the company for more than 50 years with only his U.S. Navy World War II service interrupting his climb to Vice President and Circulation Director. Shoener played a major part in the growth of the Journal's most successful years, but he has also played a major role in the success and growth of Rapid City and South Dakota, too. As a long-time member of the South Dakota Transportation Commission, under every governor–both Democrat and Republican–since Richard Kneip, Shoener has played a major economic development role in helping farmers get their crops to market and helping tourists get to the Black Hills and its local attractions.

CHARLES “CHUCK” TRIMBLE

A VOICE FOR MANY

In 1969, Charles “Chuck” Trimble was principal founder of the American Indian Press Association and served as the organization's Executive Director until 1972 when he was elected Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians. In his tenure, the NCAI is generally credited with having effectively lobbied for the enactment of the Indian Financing Act, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, the Indian Self Determination Act, the Indian Religious Freedom Act, the Indian Child Welfare Act, and the unprecedented return of land to Indian tribes. Trimble had long been interested in education for Native American students. In the 1960s, he served on the Board of AID, Inc., which sponsored summer Indian leadership workshops for young Native Americans.

INDUCTEES

Sue Brown

Thomas Daschle

Gordon Fosness

Rodney Fouberg

James O. Hansen

Gordon Hanson

Peter "Pete" Hegg

Elmer Karl

Evelyn Leite

Dr. James Martin

Dr. Donald Messer

SUE BROWN

Vernon Ronald Nelson

Clint Roberts

A PHILANTHROPIC LIFE

Sandra “Sue” Brown considered it her fate to have lived in one of the nation’s most generous areas. Although she grew up in Illinois, her philanthropic parents had ties to South Dakota. “Doc” Farber, a long-time family friend, introduced her to her future husband, Richard E. “Dick” Brown. Sue served her community as an elected member of the Sioux Falls Board and through leadership at more than a dozen nonprofits focusing on education, women’s issues, and housing. She, along with her husband became Development Directors of the SD Parks and Wildlife Foundation. Together, they raised more than $15,000,000 to create public assets such as Outdoor Campuses in Sioux Falls and Rapid City, and Good Earth State Park to name a few.

THOMAS DASCHLE

A COMMITMENT TO SERVICE

Thomas “Tom” Daschle's time in Congress was defined by his long-standing commitment to constituent service. Daschle understood the need to help South Dakotans with everyday problems and became one of the first members of Congress to create a toll-free number to make his Washington D.C. office more accessible to the people of South Dakota. Throughout his time in public office, Daschle made a practice of visiting each of the state’s 66 counties every year. His “unscheduled driving,” in which he drove around without staff and without a schedule, became a Daschle trademark. He would travel around the state during the congressional recess to simply listen to the concerns of his constituents.

GORDON FOSNESS

A CARING COACH

During his 22-year tenure as the basketball coach at Dakota Wesleyan University, Gordon “Gordie” Fosness’s teams recorded 351 victories. Even though he will be remembered for the victories during his days as a coach, Fosness was quoted to say: “All the coaching memories were great, but the most memorable was perhaps the decision to bring the spiritual atmosphere to our team… it seemed appropriate to bring devotions into the locker room and to present Jesus Christ to our player.” Fosness is well known for his endless notes and letters of encouragement and support. Each note was distinctive with his flowing handwriting and strong scripture references.

RODNEY FOUBERG

BUILDING A STRONGER COMMUNITY

Rodney Fouberg joined Security Bank and Trust Company (now Dacotah Bank) in Webster as an assistant vice president and agricultural lender, starting his over 40-year career in banking where under his leadership the company has provided over 500 jobs. Economic development has always been a passion of Fouberg’s, and it represents a logical extension of his banking career. Outside of his business interests, Fouberg can be identified with the development of the community of Aberdeen and the state of South Dakota through his efforts in the areas of education, health and wellness, and economic development.

DR. JAMES O. HANSEN

A LIFE OF EDUCATION

Dr. James “Jim” O. Hansen has held virtually every position possible in the South Dakota scheme of education. Following service in the US Air Force, he committed to a career of service to South Dakota public school that spanned 25 years. Dr. Hansen was a teacher of mathematics, chemistry, and physics for the Philip School District and later served as High School Principal. He began his role as Superintendent of Schools at Wessington, followed by Gregory, and culminated at Lake Central School District in Madison, where he successfully led a massive school district reorganization process. Dr. Hansen is known as a thoughtful, sensitive, caring professional.

GORDON HANSON

A PASSION FOR RODEO

Gordon Hanson’s passion was South Dakota’s official sport: rodeo. Though he never rode in the arena, he wrote for various publications from the crow’s nest and behind the chutes. Spanning four decades, he covered rodeos large or small, from Las Vegas’ National Finals Rodeo to the hillside-seating roundup at St. Onge. And he covered them when no one else did—quickly becoming South Dakota’s premier reporter of rodeo and the West, and one of the nation’s finest. Jim Sutton, whose Black Hills Stock Show features the country’s best indoor rodeo, honored Gordon in 1991 saying: “I give him a lot of credit for how the Stock Show took off.”

PETER "PETE" HEGG

SUCCESS BUILT ON TRUST

Peter “Pete” Hegg is an entrepreneur, rancher, dreamer, and more importantly, an individual whose business success has been built on trust and relationships. Hegg’s passion for South Dakota has resulted in hundreds of new jobs and millions of dollars in revenue, first-class buildings, and business developments. As an unofficial ambassador of the state, he sings the praises of life in South Dakota around the world. Today, Hegg Companies is a third-generation, family-owned business that specializes in all aspects of commercial real estate. The company has demonstrated success in commercial real estate, including hospitality development and management, and commercial property development.

A COMMUNITY INSPIRATION

Elmer Karl is the founder, president, and chairman of the board of Karl’s TV and Appliance, Inc. and oversees the operations of 30 stores in the midwestern states of South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Iowa. Karl continues to be an inspiration to his community today. He was one of the founders of the Gregory Coin Laundry, Mats Inc., and the Homesteader Restaurant. He purchased the local movie theater and then formed a non-profit community group to run it. He also purchased the local locker plant so Gregory could retain the business, and then leased it to the new operators. Karl was also instrumental in convincing a Canadian company to build a farm product manufacturing plant in Gregory–boosting its economic growth.

CARING FOR SOUTH DAKOTA

Evelyn Leite has used her education and passion for human growth and change for the enhancement of life for the people of South Dakota. She incorporates feelings and compassion in the therapeutic relationship with a wide range of experiences in chemical dependency, addictions, codependency, and domestic abuse, sexual and spiritual abuse. Since 1992, Leite has helped hundreds of trauma survivors heal and thrive in becoming contributing members of society. She often did this at no cost to the client and used a sliding fee scale for those who wanted to (and were able to) contribute. She continues to seek to provide a legacy of hope and healing to people of all cultures without regard to economic status.

DR. JAMES MARTIN

CURATING SOUTH DAKOTA’S NATURAL HISTORY

Dr. James E. Martin is the Emeritus Executive Curator of the Museum of Geology and Professor of Geology for the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. For most of his professional career, he has undertaken graduate education and research to understand the past in order to predict the future for mankind. During his academic career, he had wide scientific interests, publishing on igneous intrusions in the Black Hills, vertebrates found with a Paleo-Indian mammoth kill, the oldest fossil lizard genus named in Australia, the first prairie dog from west of the Rocky Mountains, living birds at the St. Martin Lake rookery in Louisiana, dinosaurs and other fossil reptiles, fossils and geology of the Badlands, and even geology of oil-bearing rocks in Wyoming.

DR. DONALD MESSER

FIGHTING INEQUALITY FOR ALL

Rev. Dr. Donald E. Messer, United Methodist theologian and author, and former college and seminary president, is known worldwide for his work to combat world hunger and HIV/AIDS. With a strong background in international affairs, Dr. Messer has worked vigorously on the HIV and AIDS health crisis. He has immersed himself in the issue, seeking to awaken people to the injustice and deep sorrow that this dreaded disease has brought to the lives of millions of people. In 2004, Dr. Messer published Breaking the Conspiracy of Silence: Christian Churches and the Global AIDS Crisis , bringing to light the atrocities that exist because of lack of care in poverty-stricken nations and calling for all religions to recognize and address this inequality.

VERNON RONALD NELSON

A DEDICATED SCIENTIST AND EDUCATOR

Dr. Vernon Ronald Nelson, a long-time South Dakota educator, inventor, and aviator, didn’t know what he wanted to be when he grew up. Even at an early age, he loved to tinker and invent things. This brought him to obtain a master's in physics and a doctorate in science education. Throughout his career, he has designed and built the electronic control system for the Zip Feed Mill in Sioux Falls, worked to assist investigators to solve car accidents, fires, and explosions by reconstructing accidents, and even invented a defibrillator for a Sioux Falls heart surgeon. While at Augustana, Dr. Nelson provided financial support for students by hiring them for odd jobs at the college and at home. He tutored struggling students, not only in his own classes but in other subject areas, as well.

CLINT ROBERTS

A FACE OF SOUTH DAKOTA

Clinton “Clint” Roberts farmed and ranched in Lyman County for most of his lifetime and also taught country school briefly. He was known as “the Marlboro Man” in the state Senate for the commercial shoots for Marlboro in which he was featured in during the early 1970s. He also produced and narrated the documentary film “Love for the Land”, a history of Agriculture in South Dakota. Besides agriculture and family, another of Roberts’s passions was community service, which led him to serve as a state senator for three terms. Following that service, he was elected as one of South Dakota’s United States Representatives in 1980.

INDUCTEES

Charles Balcer

John Egan

Richard Ekstrum

Alfred "Bud" Jetty

Sister Blanche Kribell

Helen Madsen

LuVerne Madsen

Thomas F Malone

Rev. Stanislaus Maudlin OSB

Roger McKellips

Raymond Moore

Ben Radcliffe

Theodore Spaulding

Vance Thompson

CHARLES BALCER

A TRUE EDUCATIONAL LEADER

A leader in South Dakota higher education for 35 years, Dr. Charles Balcer served as president of Augustana College from 1965 to 1980 and Distinguished Service Professor thereafter. During his presidency, more than 4,500 graduates entered the workforce in South Dakota and elsewhere. The office positions Dr. Balcer held include the following: President of the SD Association of Private Colleges, first Chairman of the Planning Commission of the SD Department of Education, Commissioner for the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, first educator elected to the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Board, and National President of Good Samaritan Society.

JOHN EGAN

A PASSIONATE SPORTS WRITER

When South Dakotans hear John Egan’s name, they think of sports. He was voted South Dakota Sports Writer of the Year eight times and he wrote stories cited by the Associated Press and the South Dakota Newspaper Association as Story of the Year. Upon retirement, the governor proclaimed two John Egan Days, first at a retirement dinner and the second on his last day on the job. He wore many hats during his 34-year career, including sports editor and columnist. He also co-authored a syndicated radio sports show for 20 years with noted sportscaster Ray Scott.

RICHARD EKSTRUM

A RESPECTED LEADER IN AGRICULTURE

Richard Ekstrum of Kimball, SD was a respected agricultural leader and spokesman for farmers and ranchers. Ekstrum soon realized that farmers needed to join together to confront agricultural issues. He joined with a few hog producers across the state to form the SD Pork Producers Council in the 1960s. Since commodity organizations focus on issues of their sole enterprise, Ekstrum felt the need to address issues of the agriculture industry as a whole. He shifted to become a leader in a general farm organization, SD Farm Bureau. Ekstrum did not just confine his activities to agriculture. He recognized the need for better quality water in the central part of the state, and in the 1970s, the Aurora Brule Rural Water System was formed under his leadership.

ALFRED “BUD” JETTY

A BRIDGE BETWEEN CULTURES

Alfred “Bud” Jetty worked for 23 years as a printer and mailroom supervisor at the Benedictine Catholic Indian mission schools. From 1976 to 1996, he served as the clerk magistrate for Hyde County. All through their lives as husband and wife, Bud and Frances have worked to bridge the gap between different cultures. In 1992, the Jettys were honored by Pope John Paul II when they received the Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice Award of Merit. When Jetty retired from the court system, Governor William Janklow declared June 14, 1996, as Alfred “Bud” Jetty Day, thanking him for his services in the unified court system and his efforts to overcome racism in South Dakota.

SISTER BLANCHE KRIBELL

A CARING NURSE

Sister Blanche Kribell didn't have to travel far from home to find her two most joyous pursuits. She always loved babies and knew she wanted to become a nurse. In high school, she heard the call to become a Sister and she committed to her profession as a Benedictine Sister in 1939. She went on to become a Registered Nurse, and in 1949, she obtained a certificate in postgraduate studies in obstetrics from Marquette University and St. Joseph Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1955, Sister Kribell earned a Bachelor of Nursing from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. In 1971 and 1978, she received federal grants to study the care of premature infants. Sister Kribell served many years as a supervisor and clinical instructor during her 50-year nursing career at the Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton.

HELEN MADSEN

A DREAM CHASER

After growing up on farms, Helen Madsen and her husband began their married life in Sioux Falls where they dreamed of owning their own business. After years of pursuing this vision, they established and began operating Teem Enterprises, Inc., in 1970. Through dedication and perseverance, the business grew to become a national leader in the manufacture of commercial refuse containers. They sold the business in 1996 and, since that time, have been committed to community and philanthropy. The primary focus of the philanthropic emphasis has been youth. Madsen provided the lead gifts for the Madsen House at Children’s Home Society and the Madsen Center at Augustana College.

L uVERNE MADSEN

BUILDING A DREAM

After growing up on farms, LuVerne “Lou” Madsen and his wife began their married life in Sioux Falls where they dreamed of owning their own business. After years of pursuing this vision, they established and began operating Teem Enterprises, Inc., in 1970. Through dedication and perseverance, the business grew to become a national leader in the manufacture of commercial refuse containers. They sold the business in 1996 and, since that time, have been committed to community and philanthropy. The primary focus of the philanthropic emphasis has been youth. Madsen provided the lead gifts for the Madsen House at Children’s Home Society and the Madsen Center at Augustana College.

THOMAS F. MALONE

A PASSIONATE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

In WWII, Dr. Thomas F. Malone trained officers to provide weather forecasts for military operations. It was the beginning of a long and productive scientific career, with major positions and appointments nationally and globally. He was a prime mover in national and international innovations in the atmospheric and environmental sciences. Elected Foreign Secretary of the prestigious National Academy of Sciences, Dr. Malone is the recipient of numerous awards and honorary degrees, including an honorary doctorate in engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology where he was president of the alumni association and a valued advisor of academic programs.

REV. STANISLAUS MAUDLIN OSB

LEADERSHIP IN FAITH

At Blue Cloud Abbey, Rev. Stanislaus Maudlin was known as Father Stan, but he was also recognized by several other names including Wambdi Wicasa (Eagle Man) among the Yankton, as Tikdisni at Crow Creek Reservation, and as Yellow Medicine by the Blackfeet. He became very active in the Native communities. Father Stan helped found the Blue Cloud Abbey in Marvin and served as pastor of St. John's Indian Mission in Pierre. Father Stan contributed to improving the quality of life for Native Americans by conducting workshops in leadership training, writing articles, giving speeches, recording programs for Indian radio stations, and establishing the American Indian Culture Research Center.

ROGER M c KELLIPS

ACTIVE COMMUNITY MEMBER

Banker, state senator, candidate for Governor, and community activist are all titles that describe Roger McKellips. A graduate of Alcestor High School and the University of Kansas, McKellips worked his way from teller to president of Alcestor Bank. He also managed an insurance agency and served on the insurance company's board for 20 years. However, it was in politics that McKellips made a statewide mark. First elected to the state senate in 1976, he served as minority leader in the 1980s and led the Democratic party to its only modern majority in the 1990s. McKellips received a leadership award from the National Conference of State Legislators for a decade of guidance.

RAYMOND MOORE

DEDICATED TO RESEARCH

Raymond “Ray” Moore is remembered as the Director of the SD Agriculture Experiment Station from 1973 to 1993. The South Dakota State University (SDSU) professor and forage scientist advocated for everything from agriculture education and research to federal and state appropriations committees, the Board of Regents, and citizen and community groups. Moore believed wholeheartedly in the mission of the experimentation station, saying it was conducting research to enhance the quality of life in South Dakota through the beneficial use and development of economic, human, and natural resources. Moore’s accomplishments include founding the SDSU Pasture Research Center and working to get the Northern Plains Biostress Laboratory built.

BEN RADCLIFFE

A FARMING ADVOCATE

Ben Radcliffe's name was virtually synonymous with the South Dakota Farmers Union during the 20 years that he led the state's largest family farm and ranch organization. During his tenure, the National Farmers Union Green Thumb program was established in 1967, the South Dakota Family Farm Act passed in 1974, and the state constitution was amended to require single-member state senate districts in 1982. Radcliffe also served on the National Farmers Union Executive Committee as chairman from 1978 to 1981. When he retired, he was honored with Meritorious Service Awards from both the South Dakota and National Farmers Unions. He was named to the South Dakota Co-op Hall of Fame in 1997.

THEODORE SPAULDING

A STRONG SERVICE MAN

In 1937, Theodore “Ted” Spaulding joined the National Guard. His unit was activated before the declaration of war with Japan, and he was later shipped to the Philippines. Spaulding was taken Prisoner of War and survived the Bataan Death March. When released, he returned to his active center for another eight years. In 1950, he was transferred to Huron as an army advisor to the South Dakota National Guard. Spaulding and his family purchased a farm in the Huron area. He retired as a major in 1953 but immediately signed on with the South Dakota National Guard to extend his career. When he retired in 1973, he was the assistant adjutant general for South Dakota as a brigadier general.

VANCE THOMPSON

A PIONEER IN VISION RESTORATION

Dr. Vance Thompson has used his medical degree and eye surgery talents to help restore the vision of tens of thousands of people through his pioneering work in laser and implant refractive surgery (including the LASIK procedure). He received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1982 and his medical degree in 1985, both from the University of South Dakota. In addition to his medical breakthroughs, Dr. Thompson advises universities, symphonies, congressmen, governors, and corporate boards and churches. Each of them relies upon his sound judgment and strong Christian faith, but his patients’ praise speaks loudest of all.

1923 - 2020

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CATEGORY PROFESSIONAL

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INDUCTEES

Frank Aplan

James Aplan

Bertyne Birkland

David Christensen

Curley Haisch

Rose Haisch

John Hamre

Melvin Hanthorn

Boyd Hopkins

Eunice Hovland

Howard Hovland

FRANK APLAN

Benjamin Kantack

Pat O'Brien

Robert Penn

Calvin Schultz

Robert Wagner

Anson Yeager

AN ENGINEERING LEADER

At 10 years old, Frank Aplan became acquainted with Glen Martin, a house painter and former chemistry major at Iowa State University. They were to carry on extensive discussions about chemistry for the next decade and would instill Frank’s lifelong love for science. Aplan attended South Dakota School of Mines & Technology and went on to hold a vast career in the metallurgical engineering field alternating between a 30year academic life and 15 years working in the industry. Aplan served in university faculty positions at the University of Washington and at Penn State University, as well as employment by five different corporations where he gained industrial experience in the mining, metallurgical, and chemical industries.

APLAN

PRESERVING SD’S WESTERN LEGACY

Throughout James “Jim” Aplan’s adult life, he had a successful rodeo career, served in the U.S. Army, and returned to accept a position in the Veterans Administration at Fort Meade, SD. No matter where he was, Aplan continued to collect and enlarge his holdings of everything and anything to do with South Dakota and the Old West. His collection became so big that in 1965 he opened a museum in Keystone. One of his greatest achievements was the 1983 fight to save the railroad across Western South Dakota. Aplan received the Preservation of South Dakota History award, as well as the Outstanding Service to Dakota Artists award.

BERTYNE BIRKLAND

A LIFELONG DEDICATION TO EDUCATION

While Bertyne Birkland pursued her own continued education after high school, she was teaching country school to as many as 40 students. Her one-room schoolhouse experience lasted for nine years. As the depression deepened, Bertyne returned to work in 1937, this time as a social worker where vacations and evenings were spent going to school thereby earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Sioux Falls College in 1946. Birkland was then 53 years old. After she had served 25 years as a social worker and Director of Public Welfare Services, Birkland was given an appointment by Governor Nils Boe to the state Department of Public Welfare as Secretary and member of the Public Welfare Commission.

DAVID CHRISTENSEN

CREATING OPPORTUNITY FOR SOUTH DAKOTA

David “Dave” Christensen was chosen as president of Raven Industries after nine years with the company. Through his leadership as president and CEO of Raven, the company grew from $8.3 million in annual sales and less than 400 employees to over $149.6 million in sales and 1,500 employees. What's important to note is that 1,100 of these employees are in South Dakota as a direct result of Christensen’s commitment to the development and growth within the state. In addition to his business leadership, Christensen has shown outstanding commitment to his community. This involvement includes working on campaigns for Forward Sioux Falls, the Wegner Health Sciences Information Center, and many other community development projects.

CURLEY HAISCH

A DEDICATED RANCHER

Curley Haisch once owned the largest ranch holding in the state, the scenic Mulehead Ranch which yawned along the Missouri River hills from the Chamberlain area all the way south to its present headquarters near Bonesteel. Beginning in 1931, Haisch lived on, and managed, the Mulehead Ranch for many years. With the help of his wife, Rose, the 6,000-acre ranch flourished under his management. Today, an entire community shares the benefits of the Haischs’ hard work. An important part of the ranch was the wildlife habitat Haisch encouraged. Despite the abundant wildlife that inhabited the expanse of the ranch, they permitted only limited, noncommercial hunting.

ROSE HAISCH

A HUMBLE RANCHER

Rose Haisch played a huge part in her and her husband Curley’s successful ranch–the Mulehead Ranch. While Haisch humbly attributed their success to good luck, area farmers and ranchers alike look to the Mulehead Ranch as a fine example of balancing careful management with necessary improvements. The Haischs extended their love for their ranch out in the surrounding communities in a way that few people do. You can't help but notice the beautiful modern swimming pool that serves families from a number of communities in Gregory County. The Haischs made the facility possible by a substantial donation and making contributions that ensured the pool would be maintained for years to come.

JOHN HAMRE

A NATIONAL LEADER

As the second in command at the Pentagon, Dr. John Hamre is delegated full power and authority to act for the Secretary of Defense, who is the principal defense policy and policy advisor related to the president and is responsible for the formulation of general defense policy and policy related to all matters of direct concern to the Department of Defense. As the Deputy Secretary of Defense, Dr. Hamre spearheaded reform in the Department of Defense. He launched business re-engineering efforts in important business areas including paper-free contracting, professionalizing the Department's education programs, eliminating excess bases, and moving toward an internet-based system for publication.

MELVIN HANTHORN

A CARING ADVOCATE

Despite facing personal hardships after an accident in 1979, Melvin Hanthorn lived a life dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities of all kinds live better lives. Hanthorn carved and distributed over 1,760 diamond willow and spiral canes to individuals in need, free of charge. These canes were distributed at Mayo Clinic, numerous Parkinson's Disease Support Groups, and individually to anyone who requests a cane for themself or a loved one. Another direct impact Hanthorn made is through his work with Parkinson's Support Groups, as well as having a tremendous impact on the lives of young mentally, and physically disabled children by supporting the Watertown Camp Courage.

BOYD HOPKINS

A DETERMINED LEADER

Boyd Hopkins’s determination, strength, and foresight guided CorTrust Bank into a strong position. CorTrust Bank grew to 15 branches in 12 communities under his leadership, and the assets at the end of 1996 were $170 million with $12 million in capital. Because of his background in ranching and business during his early years, Hopkins encouraged the lending officers to help farmers and those who wish to start new businesses. He never discouraged the banks' attempts to offer their customers better products and services. Hopkins not only served the banking industry well but also served his communities, including serving on many local boards.

EUNICE HOVLAND

A SERVANT TO ADULT LEARNING

Cooperation, concern, and a sense of sharing describe Eunice Hovland's efforts alongside her husband over a lifetime of service and care for the adult learner. Ever since they met, many of their benchmarks have been attained together. As supporters of higher education, Eunice and her husband have established three scholarship funds: Sioux Falls Area Foundation, Augustana College, and Southeast Technical Institute. They established development funds for professional enhancement for the seven-state Missouri Valley Adult Education Association and for each of the seven regional states including the South Dakota Association for Lifelong Learning. In 1982, Eunice received the Pioneer Awards from the USA Adult Education Association.

HOWARD HOVLAND

AN ADVOCATE FOR ADULT LEARNING

Howard Hovland came to South Dakota to attend college at Augustana where he met and married his college sweetheart Eunice. Together, their passion for continued education has seen many accomplishments and hit numerous benchmarks. In Sioux Falls, the Hovlands’ experience in education led them to suggest and propose the first adult basic education program, which they succeeded in developing locally and statewide. Howard was instrumental in forming the first South Dakota Adult Education Association, and served as its first president. In 2005, Howard was inducted into the International Hall of Fame and received the Adult and Continuing Education Award.

BENJAMIN KANTACK

A DEDICATED ENTOMOLOGIST

Dr. Benjamin Kantack came to South Dakota State University (SDSU) in 1962 as a classroom teacher in entomology, with his Ph.D. nearly completed from the University of Nebraska. Within a year, he finished his doctorate and transferred to the Cooperative Extension Service–the educational outreach arm of SDSU. For 28 years, he served as extension entomologist, a position that enabled him to help farmers and ranchers manage the insect population on their properties. Dr. Kantack also shared his knowledge with South Dakota’s citizens through a series of television and radio programs, as well as through farm field research days and meetings with agricultural groups.

PAT O’BRIEN

A HOUSEHOLD FIGURE IN BROADCASTING

Pat O'Brien has become a household name for his work on television and television sporting events. His work in the television industry and sports commentating has propelled his career to the top of the entertainment business. In addition to his work for CBS Sports, O'Brien writes monthly columns in LIVE! Magazine and has written a weekly column in the sports section of the New York Daily News, a monthly column in Inside Sports magazine, and guest columns in TV Guide. He authored the book Talkin’ Sports, a BS-er’s Guide, as well.

O'Brien has been seen daily as co-host of "ACCESS HOLLYWOOD," the daily half-hour entertainment news program from Twentieth Television and NBC.

1946 - 1999

• CATEGORY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

• HOMETOWN VERMILLION, SD

ROBERT PENN

A RENOWNED NATIVE AMERICAN ARTIST

Robert Lee Penn’s life experiences convinced him that there was more to life than just art, but those same experiences convinced him that his art defined his life and gave it meaning. In Penn’s early years, Oscar Howe became his teacher, mentor, and friend. Penn established himself as a leading American Indian artist–not only regionally but nationally, too. His work is included in an impressive number of public collections, including those of the Smithsonian Institute and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. He has more than a dozen solo exhibitions to his credit, and his work has won prizes at the Colorado Indian Market and the Northern Plains Tribal Arts Exhibition.

CALVIN SCHULTZ

CHAMPIONING ART IN SOUTH DAKOTA

1926 - 2004

• CATEGORY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

• HOMETOWN MITCHELL, SD

Calvin Schultz, perhaps best known for his 25 years of drawing murals for the Corn Palace, was raised on a farm near Mitchell. As a child of 18 months, he was stricken with polio, which paralyzed his right leg and weakened his right arm. In 1977, Schultz was asked to sketch designs for the Corn Palace, a task he continued for more than 25 years. Schultz demonstrated creativity, talent, and determination throughout his lifetime, never allowing his disability to overwhelm his life. He was generous with his talent by designing logos, contributing his art to fundraisers, and exhibiting his work at the Oscar Howe Art Center. In 1993, Governor George Mickelson recognized Schultz as Most Outstanding Citizen with a Disability for South Dakota.

ROBERT WAGNER

AN ECUMENICAL AND COMMUNITY LEADER

Dr. Robert T. Wagner, a native South Dakotan, truly believes in the values and opportunities that represent South Dakota and its citizens. Consequently, he was determined to devote his energies and skills in service to South Dakota. Dr. Wagner served as a Vicar in different communities across the state, as well as taught Sociology at South Dakota State University (SDSU) for 13 years. During that time, enrollment at SDSU reached record numbers, programs were strengthened, and courses were offered across South Dakota with the delivery of actual degree programs to Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Pierre, and in cooperation with the tribal colleges.

ANSON YEAGER

WRITING THE STORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA

It has been said that Anson Yeager had written about every facet of South Dakota life, sharing with his readers what has been called an “incredible understanding of our state.” Yeager has written hundreds of news stories about other people. Yeager, a retired Argus Leader editor, found the news career that he wanted at South Dakota’s largest daily newspaper. He once said that the Argus Leader newsroom was his window to the world. He started as a reporter in 1947 writing obituaries and covering the Federal Building and schools. In 1961, Yeager was named executive editor and editor of the editorial page, then became associate editor in 1977, a position he held until his retirement in 1984.

INDUCTEES

Raleigh Barker

Lionel Bordeaux

Dr. Roscoe Dean Jr., M.D.

White Eagle

Abner George

Sylvia Henkin

Warren Jones

Joe Kirby

Wallace Larsen

John Milton

George Mortimer

Robert Perry

Arthur "Joe" Quintal

Leland Schoenhard

Harold Schuknecht

Mildred Sutton

Leonard "Bud" Williams

RALEIGH BARKER

A COMMUNITY MEMBER & FRIEND

Starting in 1922, Raleigh Evertte Barker served the residents of the Pine Ridge Reservation for 47 years as an interpreter, storekeeper, bookkeeper, friend, and in various other capacities. He was trusted as a financial adviser, insurance representative, postmaster, and businessman. Barker kept business hours six days a week, longer during harvest and planting, and still found time to teach Sunday school and give a weekly sermon. Some of his experiences are published in his books Tales from a Reservation Storekeeper and My Lakota Friends. The store, known as A. Barker and Son, provided many needed services for area residents. For many years, it had the only telephone in the area.

LIONEL BORDEAUX

CREATING PATHWAYS TO EDUCATION

As president of Sinte Gleska University in Rosebud, South Dakota, Lionel Bordeaux lived his dream of seeing the continuation of higher education for his people, the Lakota Sioux. Bordeaux provided leadership for the passage and authorization of tribal college legislation, the first fully accredited reservation-based institution of higher education at the bachelor’s degree level, and instituted the first reservation-based master’s degree program. He has been honored with many accolades including the Outstanding Administrator of the Year by Black Hills State University in affiliated status with Sinte Gleska College and Outstanding Educator of the Year by the National Congress of American Indians.

DR. ROSCOE DEAN JR., M.D.

CHANGE IN RURAL HEALTHCARE

Dr. Roscoe Dean served the community of Wessington Springs for most of his career. He immediately recognized the need for more physicians in rural areas. Together, he and Attorney General Frank Farrar began to work on the crisis. The Blue Ribbon Committee was organized to evaluate and improve the Health Department. Throughout his years of working to upgrade the rural health system, Dr. Dean was also a family physician. His practice included thousands of patients and covered hundreds of miles. Over the years, Dr. Dean was bestowed with many honors, but his proudest moment was when he was adopted as a member of the Crow Creek Indian Tribe for his medical care.

1951 - 1995

EAGLE

A SKILLED OPERA SINGER

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White Eagle, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Reservation, was determined at an early age that he wanted to become an opera singer. At the age of five, the minister's son gave his first public performance in his father's church. Over his career, White Eagle performed more than 4,000 concerts to upwards of five million people in the U.S. and Canada. White Eagle made appearances at some of the country's premier opera houses including the Florentine and Cleveland Operas, as well as Carnegie Hall. He became the first Native American to sing leading roles in both opera and American musical theater. In January 1989, White Eagle sang at the inaugural gala for newly elected President George H.W. Bush.

ABNER GEORGE

A LEGACY IN BROADCASTING

1915 - 2006

• HOMETOWN SAINT PAUL, MN

Abner George, formerly of Rapid City’s KTOQ radio station, holds the record for longevity among broadcasters. He began his record-setting, 50-year broadcasting career as a student volunteer at the University of Minnesota station. Throughout most of his lengthy radio career in Rapid City, Abner announced the early morning news. For many years, he also did his own legwork, making the daily rounds of the police station, fire hall, and county courthouse for news. Abner’s reputation for integrity, honesty, and high character earned him the admiration and respect of his far-flung radio listeners as well as that of his coworkers and media colleagues. His professional philosophy was based on the tenets of accuracy and responsibility in reporting.

SYLVIA HENKIN

A COMMUNITY & STATE LEADER

After college graduation, Sylvia Henkin traveled from Iowa to Sioux Falls to look at KSOO Radio, which her family eventually purchased. On that day, Sylvia met Morton Henkin, her future husband. She soon joined her husband at KSOO. Her jobs varied as the station grew and matured, from interviewing people on the air to handling management details. She helped the station grow through the transition from radio to television and kept the family business running after the death of her husband. Beyond her years at KSOO-KPAT FM, Sylvia was an active leader in her community and state and was the first woman to be appointed president of the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce.

WARREN JONES

DEDICATED EDUCATOR & DOCTOR

Aberdeen native Dr. Warren Jones dedicated his life to the teaching and the practice of medicine. For 14 years, Dr. Jones taught cardiovascular physiology at the University of South Dakota (USD) Medical Center, where he was instrumental in developing the school’s four-year medical curriculum. Dr. Jones was the first physician in the state to perform an electrical cardioversion, a procedure that is used to restore a regular rhythm to the human heart, which he then promoted and demonstrated. Dr. Jones was also instrumental in the development and application of the first implanted cardiac pacemaker in South Dakota. He received various awards throughout his career including the first Distinguished Professor Award from USD.

JOE KIRBY

A PIONEERING LAWYER

Joe Kirby was a prominent pioneer lawyer in Sioux Falls and the founder of Kirby Law Office. On a train en route to the nation’s capital, Kirby met some businessmen who were affiliated with some eastern-based bonding companies, which resulted in Kirby establishing the Western Surety Company in 1900. Over the next 10 years, the company grew, not only throughout South Dakota but also into neighboring states. Today, Western Surety Company is operating in all 50 states and services over 40,000 independent insurance agencies. It is the largest agency force of any insurance or bond company in the country and has nearly 500 employees.

WALLACE LARSEN

AN AUTHORITY IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

Wallace Larsen, a South Dakota native, is arguably one of the state’s foremost authorities in the area of highway planning. In 1989, Larsen was appointed Director of Engineering for the state’s highway department and was instrumental in installing state-of-the-art computer hardware to increase the productivity of the engineering and design divisions of the department. Larsen also supervised the early development of the road profiler, which is now used in 35 states across the country. Significant projects led to contracts during this time included the Dakota Dunes interchange, the Benson Road interchange, the Forest City Bridge landslide stabilization, Deadwood north grading, the Louise Avenue interchange in Sioux Falls, and the Cedar Shore marina basin near Oacoma.

JOHN MILTON

A STRONG LITERARY INFLUENCER

Dr. John Milton’s literary influence extends beyond the state of South Dakota. As founder and editor of the South Dakota Review and an instructor at the University of South Dakota, Dr. Milton served as a mentor to many of the school’s graduates including writers Elly Welt, Michael Doane, and Linda Hasselstrom. During his career, Dr. Milton published 15 books of poetry, prose, and non-fiction in addition to short stories, journal articles, and other works. His total of published works equates to more than 330 pieces. Among his most popular works were a short story “The Inheritance of Emmy One Horse” and “South Dakota: A Bicentennial History” which was published in 1989. In 1976, he received a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts and two years later received the Governor’s Award for Creative Achievement.

GEORGE MORTIMER

A DEDICATED CIVIL SERVANT

Known as South Dakota’s “Will Rogers,” George Mortimer made a big impact during his tenure in the South Dakota State Legislature. Mortimer chaired the Health & Welfare Committee, and, in that position, he worked toward establishing the four-year medical school program for the state. He was also a key figure in starting the Physician Assistant Program, whose graduates provide much-needed care to citizens in the state’s rural areas. Mortimer also served on the state’s Agricultural and Natural Resource Committee, where he was instrumental in re-writing the state’s strip-mining bill. In 1980 and 1986, he was named the Wildlife Conservation Legislator of the Year on both a state and national level for his efforts in that area.

ROBERT PERRY

PRESERVING SOUTH DAKOTA HISTORY

Robert “Bob” Perry is credited with being the person that made Fort Sisseton into a state park in 1959. Perry was also the Chairman of the drive to make Sichi Hollow into a state park and to get it recognized as a national historical site. He organized most of the 7,000 documents for the J.L.W. Zietlow Telephone Pioneer Museum in Aberdeen, which was rated as one of the best independent telephone museums in the nation. Perry was the recipient of numerous awards for his historical preservation efforts and served on many state and national boards. Perry received many honors such as the Ben Black Elk Award by the South Dakota Tourism Department and South Dakota Volunteer of the Year.

ARTHUR "JOE" QUINTAL

PROMOTING SPORTS EXCELLENCE

Arthur “Joe" Quintal was athletic director and coach at Mitchell High School for over 35 years. As head coach of Mitchell’s football, basketball, and track programs, he compiled unequaled success with each program. In 1930, Quintal’s basketball team won the Class B State Championship, and in 1932, 1935, 1940, and 1948 they won the Class A State Championship. Quintal was a leader in administering the state’s athletic program, serving many years on the board of control, and was the first commissioner of the South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference. His career positively impacted the lives of thousands of South Dakota youth.

LELAND N. SCHOENHARD

A LEGACY OF GIVING BACK

Lee N. Schoenhard adopted a policy of giving to the communities in which he did business. In 1950, Schoenhard started a construction company to satisfy a growing need for housing. He added a local lumberyard to this operation in 1954. In 1957, Schoenhard, with partners and a small investment, purchased Daniels Olson Building Products of Sioux Falls. When the company was sold in 1991, the wholesale lumber and specialty Supply Company was making over $6 million in sales. Contributions have added up to $1 million to the Schoenhard Community Foundation, for worthy projects in Chamberlain and surrounding communities.

HAROLD SCHUKNECHT

A PIONEER SURGEON

Dr. Harold Schuknecht was one of the world's foremost ear surgeons, researchers, and teachers. He pioneered new surgical techniques to restore hearing and was noted for his skill in microscopic procedures. He helped tens of thousands of patients during his career. Prior to his retirement in the late 1980s, Dr. Schuknecht was Walter Augustus LeCompte professor of otology and professor of laryngology at the Harvard Medical School, and chief otolaryngology at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Informatory. During WWII, Dr. Schuknecht served as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Army Corps, with the rank of captain. He was awarded the Soldier's Medal for his heroic rescue of a pilot who was trapped in a crashed and burning B-24.

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MILDRED SUTTON

PAVING THE WAY FOR WOMEN IN POLITICS

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Mildred Hanson Sutton’s activities touched people across the state of South Dakota. She exceeded the stereotype of a pioneer woman and mother. Sutton played a supporting role when it came to ranching, but was involved in many outside activities. Along with the support of running the family ranch, Sutton was also an active democrat and served as Sully County Democratic County Chairman, as well as credited with almost singlehandedly keeping the Democratic Party alive in Sully County. Sutton was a pioneer in the fact that she paved the way for women in Sully County and in South Dakota.

LEONARD "BUD" WILLIAMS

A LEGACY OF GIVING BACK

1918 - 2006

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Leonard “Bud” Williams served as Director of the YMCA of Mitchell for 23 years. He then went on to serve as Director of Student Activities at the Mitchell Vocational Institute and was later elected to the Mitchell City Council then Mayor of the City of Mitchell. He served in this capacity for seven years. Williams was a man of few words, but the words spoken said it all. He was involved in Mitchell's "Vision of 2000" process from the beginning. In this process of laying the groundwork for the future, the growth and improvements in Mitchell will continue long beyond Williams' mayorship and life.

INDUCTEES

Mahpiyato Blue Cloud

Walter I Bones

DeWitt Booth

Columban Bregenzer

William Donahoe

Parnell Donohue

Leif Hanson

Jakways Kesling

Dr. Charles Lien

Paul Marschalk

Winfred Reutter

Mildred Sandal

Leland Warne

Karl H. Wegner, M.D.

Korczak Ziolkowski

Ruth Ziolkowski

MAHPIYATO BLUE CLOUD

A PEACEFUL LEADER

Mahpiyato Blue Cloud, a Yankton Sioux, was a man of peace. He was the last hereditary chief of the Yankton Sioux. Blue Cloud worked as a scout and guide for the U.S. Army, mapping expeditions on the Powder River in Utah. During this time, he lived at Fort Pierre and Farm Island where he planted corn and led a settled life. He accompanied the Belgian priest, Father Pierre Jean DeSmet to the 1851 treaty conference at Fort Laramie in an effort to plead for peace. In the early 1950’s a monastery was built by the Benedictines and named Blue Cloud Abbey.

WALTER I BONES

EXPANDING AG CONNECTIONS

As the first president of the SD Stockgrowers from eastern South Dakota, Walter Bones worked to broaden the organization statewide instead of just having west-river membership. He initiated annual statewide area meetings, which continue to this day and was the first to have an annual meeting East River. Bones was instrumental in founding the SD Beef Council and getting the SD Stockgrowers, CowBelles, Livestock Feeders, and Auction Markets to work together in one organization. He was invited to participate in a special White House conference on nutrition and health and was invited to an International Harvester “Think Tank” forum of farm leaders.

1867 - 1938

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CATEGORY PROFESSIONAL

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HOMETOWN SPEARFISH, SD

DEWITT BOOTH

A KEY ROLE IN THE AMERICAN WEST

DeWitt “D.C.” Booth served as the first superintendent of the Spearfish Hatchery (now known as the D.C. Booth Historic Fish Hatchery). He came to the Spearfish Hatchery as the youngest superintendent in both age and service when the hatchery was still under construction. He established the Yellowstone Fisheries in 1901 and continued to supply them for 10 years. During the years which corresponded with Booth's superintendence, the Spearfish facility played a key role in the development of trout stocking programs and techniques across the American West and the world. Booth's philosophies and personality would dominate the hatchery for over 30 years.

COLUMBAN BREGENZER

A BUILDER OF STATE HERITAGE

1864 - 1946

• CATEGORY GENERAL

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HOMETOWN WEHRINGER, GERMANY

Father Columban Bregenzer arrived in Sturgis on January 14, 1903, from Conception Abbey in Conception, Missouri. Bishop Stariha of Lead had requested a temporary priest to serve as pastor of St. Aloysius Parish and chaplain to the sisters at St. Martin’s Convent. This temporary assignment turned into 43 years of service to the community of Sturgis, the diocese of Rapid City, and St. Martin’s Academy. His devotion established Father Bregenzer as a true builder of South Dakota heritage. Father Columban also traveled to surrounding settlements to minister to the Catholic population of Bear Butte, Ft. Meade, Hereford, Volunteer, Nine Mile, and Whitewood.

WILLIAM DONAHOE

A DEVOTED DOCTOR

Dr. William Donahoe, fondly called Dr. Will, was known as the children's doctor throughout South Dakota. He was the first pediatrician in Sioux Falls and devoted a lifetime of service to increasing children’s wellness. In these efforts, he published many medical papers on childhood ailments. Dr. Donahoe was a tireless worker for the cause of public health. He consequently promoted public health programs and all activities which furthered community betterment. He was instrumental in establishing the Bureau of Vital Statistics for the State of South Dakota. He was Pediatrician to the Lutheran Welfare Society, the SD Children's Home, the Presentation Home for Children, and the SD School for the Deaf.

PARNELL DONOHUE

UPLIFTING SOUTH DAKOTA DIPLOMACY

Parnell Donohue was the first Democratic Attorney General for South Dakota. During his tenure, Donohue initiated the publications of the Attorney General’s Opinions, re-established the Securities Commission, and supervised the organization and implementation of the First Officers and Criminal Justice Training School. He earned a special commendation for his initiative in establishing and implementing the first County Highway Safety Council. Donohue also served the state as Ambassador in the South Dakota Diplomatic Corps under three administrations. He was cited in Who’s Who of South Dakota and Who’s Who in America and was named American Legionnaire of the Year.

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LEIF HANSON

A CARING COMMUNITY MEMBER

Leif Hanson had lots of vision and lots of faith. Blessed with ambition, drive, and sensitivity to others, he came to believe that someone in need was someone who had to be taken care of. The livestock business was his life; however, more than that, people were his business. Hanson was considered one of the best sheep, cattle, and hog buyers in South Dakota. Many times he gave a farmer or rancher, who was suffering financially, a little more than they asked him for. He helped many ranchers and farmers get back on their feet during the Great Depression.

JAKWAYS KESLING

THE FLYING FUNERAL DIRECTOR

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Known throughout the state as "the South Dakota flying funeral director," Jakways "J.D." Kesling successfully merged his profession with his hobby. Beginning in 1934, Kesling was the owner and director of the Kesling Funeral Home in Timber Lake. He attended Mortuary School in Chicago and was licensed in July 1934. Upon receipt of his mortician’s license, he purchased the funeral home. In 1941, he acquired his pilot’s license and began operating an air ambulance service. In 1963, he established a second funeral home in the town of Mobridge and served as Dewey County coroner for 30 years.

DR. CHARLES LIEN

A STRONG BUSINESS LEADER

Charles “Chuck” Lien was the chairman of the Pete Lien & Sons, Inc. Board of Directors, Vice President, and owner of 100% of the stock in Pete Lien & Sons, Inc during his lifetime, along with his wife Barbara Vidal Lien, and their nine children. Pete Lien & Sons, Inc. is a family-owned conglomerate that supplies rock and other materials to the construction industry in the Dakotas, Wyoming, Nebraska, Montana, and Colorado. Lien was a dedicated community servant and among many other awards, was awarded the Certificate of Meritorious Achievement in Public Service in 1969 from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in addition to an honorary doctorate awarded in 1978.

PAUL MARSCHALK

A MAJOR FIGURE IN SD SPORTS

Paul Marschalk was a major figure in South Dakota high school athletics for more than 30 years. Marschalk began his coaching career in Madison, Minnesota in 1924, moving to Pierre two years later. From 1926 to 1944 he served as Athletic Director, teacher, and coach of all sports at Pierre High School. Under his guidance, the school’s basketball team won the State A Championship in 1944 and his track, football, and basketball teams also won both regional and state titles. Marschalk invented multiple techniques to improve players’ abilities on the basketball court, and developed a shooting chart and scorebook, still in use today.

WINFRED REUTTER

PRESERVING SD HERITAGE

Winifred Reutter of White River, SD is one of the outstanding people who helped preserve the heritage of her area in writings dating back to the 1920s and 1930s when she was a junior editor of Sunshine Magazine published in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Early Dakota Days was one of Winifred’s award-winning County History Books, and her Mellette County Memories was published in 1961. Reutter wrote a column titled “Cowbelle Notes” for the Hereford Journal, published out of St. Louis, Missouri, and for 20 years, she wrote a monthly column for the Gem and Mineral Bulletin. She also contributed many stories to Dakota West and Dakota Farmer and was a correspondent for the Associated Press.

MILDRED SANDAL

CHRONICLING HER COMMUNITY

Mildred (Wilsbacher) Sandal contributed to South Dakota heritage in many significant ways over the course of her lifetime. Sandal began writing the “Moenville News,” a report on events and items of interest to the Moenville community. The articles appeared in various newspapers but principally in the Philip Pioneer Review. Sandal’s “Moenville News” became a continuing chronicle of events in the community and often the sole source of written information concerning a significant portion of the Haakon and Stanley County rural population. She preserved western South Dakota prairie heritage as it happened, for much of which there would otherwise be no reference.

LELAND WARNE

EXPANDING AGRICULTURAL IN SD

After returning home from serving in WWII, Leland “Lee” Warne grew his family ranch and began raising Appaloosa horses. Warne was active in the initial planning and construction of the Oahe Grain Corporation in Onida. He was the original incorporator and president of the Sully County Bank, incorporated, and later served as president of the Center of the National Appaloosa Horse Club in South Dakota. He was instrumental in bringing the 23rd National Appaloosa Show to Huron in 1970. This was the largest horse show of any breed in the nation at that time.

KARL H. WEGNER, M.D.

ADVANCING SOUTH DAKOTA MEDICINE

Dr. Karl H. Wegner, popularly known as the “father” of South Dakota’s four-year degree-granting medical school, began his more than 30-year involvement with the University of South Dakota School of Medicine in 1962 when he returned to the state from Massachusetts and joined the two-year school’s faculty as Assistant Clinical Professor of Pathology and Associate Professor of Medicine without salary, a condition stated on his contract. His exceptional teaching skills, his desire to serve the state he loved, and his ability to make his vision a reality transformed South Dakota from medically deprived into the regional medical center we know today.

KORCZAK ZIOLKOWSKI

PURSUING A DREAM IN SOUTH DAKOTA

Korczak Ziolkowski was a self-taught sculptor, architect, and engineer. At the age of 40 and with $174 in the bank, Korczak set off on a venture to create a memorial to the Sioux Nation–Crazy Horse National Monument. Korczak worked on the project free of charge and without monetary support from the government. All funds for the project have come from private individuals, organizations, and businesses which continues to this day. Korczak felt very strongly that the interested public, not the government, should finance the memorial. Although Korczak passed away before the completion of the Crazy Horse Memorial, his family continues his dream.

RUTH ZIOLKOWSKI

SUPPORTING A STRONG VISION

As a teen, Ruth Ziolkowski was among the volunteers who assisted Korczak Ziolkowski during his work on a statue that he was carving of Noah Webster in Connecticut. After this carving was completed, Korczak came to South Dakota and Ruth followed. In 1950, the two were married. Korczak and Ruth made it their life goal to complete the memorial in the Black Hills of SD to Crazy Horse. Having done every task at Crazy Horse Memorial, she knew the ins and outs of its management and worked from dawn to nighttime managing the business of the Memorial. Ruth was the recipient of the 1988 Ben Black Elk Award by the South Dakota Tourism Department.

INDUCTEES

Bennie Bender

Dr. Frank Creamer

Carl Fischer

Martin Houston

Robert Hunt

Arthur Johnson

Joseph Koller

Albert Lopez

Mercedes MacKay

Theresa McKinstry

Edward Pillar

Pat Schaaf

Herbert Schell

Aubrey Sherwood

Alfred Strandell

Winifred Ziemann

BENNIE BENDER

A TRUE RODEO STAR

Bennie Bender entered his first rodeo at Selby when he was 14 years old riding bareback steers. Before long, he was riding full-time. He found roots in Mobridge, and his clowning in the rodeo circuit won him fame. He delighted audiences by riding a shovel tied to the tail of a wild bronc and by teasing brahman bulls to charge his backside. The antics of Bender and his trick mule Jo-Jo were crowd favorites. He had a natural knack for clowning, and the men riding the rough, tough rodeo stock knew they could depend on him to help them out of the tight spots.

DR. FRANK CREAMER

A PASSIONATE DOCTOR

Dr. Frank Creamer arrived in South Dakota in 1908, the same year he graduated from the University of Iowa Medical School. He practiced for two years in the town of LeBeau until a freak accident burned the entire town to the ground. Dr. Creamer moved on and settled in Dupree where he served the community and surrounding region with distinction for 39 years. Although many illnesses plagued Dr. Creamer's life, including diphtheria and a final 12-year bout with cancer, he continuously pursued his goal to help children. Throughout his career, he established free clinics and health exams for school-aged children and athletes, as well as eliminated the scourge of contagious diseases through administered vaccinations.

FISCHER

A SHAPER OF SOUTH DAKOTA

The Fischer Brothers store in Fort Pierre was and still can be remembered by many as a household name in South Dakota. They operated as a wholesale distributor for various inland stores that did not have access to railroad or river transportation. The store supplied the farmers, ranchers, and settlers with the goods needed to prosper. Carl Fischer was named president of the family company in 1931 and held the position until it was sold in 1967. He also held positions in the city council, school board, the state senate, and served as acting mayor of Fort Pierre.

MARTIN HOUSTON

A PIONEER IN IRRIGATION

Martin Houston was a second-generation farmer and became involved with the Hughes County Soil Conservation District when it was formed in 1953. He remained active until his death in 1967. Houston pioneered a new kind of irrigation system which became the talk of Hughes County and soon word spread throughout the entire agricultural world. His ranch soon became a prototype and showplace for many of his new concepts, and at the conclusion of each tour, Houston would point out the resources and vast possibilities of South Dakota. Governors, visiting agricultural representatives, and newsmen all gathered to see the new system at the Houston Ranch.

ROBERT HUNT

A STEADFAST COACH

Robert “Bob” Hunt’s 35-year tenure at South Dakota Tech began in 1946, as an assistant professor and Hardrocker head basketball coach. Hunt coached the Tech basketball team to their first conference championship in 1955 and ended his men’s basketball coaching career in 1967 with 167 victories. Hunt also served as a golf coach for 10 years, winning five SDIC and four District 12 NAIA Championships. Under his guidance, the new women’s basketball team, the Rockerettes, won two SDIC Championships, the 1980 AIAW State Championship, and recorded 86 wins in six years. In addition to coaching, Hunt served in the US Army Air Corps from 1942-1945, being released from active duty as a First Lieutenant and receiving a Purple Heart and an Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.

ARTHUR JOHNSON

A DEDICATED ENGINEER

Arthur I. Johnson devoted his adult life to the mining profession. Born and raised in Lead, South Dakota, he began his career in mining while a young boy working for the Homestake Mine. For more than 50 years, Johnson worked as a consultant and metallurgical engineer. After completing his military obligations, Johnson attended college and later taught at the School of Mines and at Texas A&M. His work as a consultant and engineer resulted in the design, construction, and operation of two cyanide plants for gold, three spodumene flotation plants, the first lepidolite flotation in the world, and two mica processing plants.

1890 - 1983

• CATEGORY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

• HOMETOWN EDGEMONT, SD

JOSEPH KOLLER

A DISTINGUISHED PHOTOGRAPHER

With very little formal training, Joseph Koller established himself as one of South Dakota’s most distinguished photographers and writers. Koller worked on the railroad and studied photography in the early part of the 20th century before opening his first studio in Edgemont. After a brief interruption in his work to serve in World War I, Koller moved to Belle Fourche and opened a photography studio in 1923 which he ran for the next 20 years. In the 1950s and 1960s, Koller published more than 50 short stories in Western periodicals as well as contributing a chapter for the Territorial Centennial publication Dakota Panorama.

ALBERT LOPEZ

A LEADING CATTLEMAN

1898 - 1978

• CATEGORY GENERAL

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HOMETOWN TIMBER LAKE, SD

Albert Lopez was one of South Dakota’s leading cattlemen. Lopez was born on the family ranch in Colorado. He learned early in life the necessity of using the resources within one’s self to succeed. After serving in the U. S. Marines during World War I, Lopez began a lifelong association with the Diamond A Cattle Company. Lopez clung to the Western way for as long as he could. He did his best to preserve a passing way of life. He felt that passing the heritage and knowledge of the cow business to the next generation was an obligation.

1904 - 1987

MERCEDES MACKAY

FACILITATING EDUCATION IN SD

Mercedes MacKay served as the director of the South Dakota State Library & Commission for 35 years. During that time, MacKay, a former schoolteacher, built libraries in towns and on reservations throughout the state, making much-needed improvements to existing facilities. MacKay implemented the state’s inter-library loan program, established the bookmobile, and developed other innovative programs on meager budgets and with inadequate facilities. She won numerous awards including the Meritorious Service Award from the Mountain Plains Library Association and Librarian of the Year from the South Dakota Library Association.

THERESA MCKINSTRY

SELFLESS DEDICATION TO OTHERS

1864 - 1931

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HOMETOWN BISON, SD

Theresa Jennewein McKinstry’s compassion, many acts of kindness, and selfless dedication to others made her truly deserving of the title Unsung Hero and Good Heart. McKinstry traveled from her home in Illinois westward, settling in Perkins County in 1903. A self-trained practical nurse and midwife, McKinstry administered to the sick and delivered babies when there was no doctor available, and she even buried the dead when necessary. During the influenza epidemic of 1918, McKinstry cooked, cleaned, washed, and generally kept households running while the ill recovered. Wherever there was a person in need in the Bison community, McKinstry could be counted on to help.

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EDWARD PILLAR

A LOVER OF HORSEMANSHIP

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Edward Pillar acquired his "horse sense" early in life, which helped make a success of everything he later attempted, from shining shoes to selling cars and horse training. Although horses had always been a part of his life, Pillar had his sights set on a very special horse, a dancing horse. At the age of 40, this dream was realized. A chance meeting with an expert dressage trainer, Austin Smith, was a dream come true for Pillar. The two formed a partnership to show their pair of dancing horses all over the country. In 1952, Pillar’s trained mule, Pinky, performed for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

PAT SCHAAF

A SKILLED ARTIST

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Patricia Boldt Schaaf spent most of her life in the Miller, South Dakota area. After graduating from high school, Schaaf studied commercial art under Oscar Howe and William Brady at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. Schaaf's original artwork focuses primarily on themes indicative of her native home such as wildlife, rural America, and images of the Old West. Her oil paintings have been exhibited in galleries throughout South Dakota and the United States, and she has won several awards for her artwork, including three consecutive "Best of Show" titles at the South Dakota State Fair in 1974, 1975, and 1976.

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HERBERT SCHELL

COMMITTED TO HIGHER LEARNING

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Herbert S. Schell made numerous contributions to South Dakota during his long career in higher education. He came to the University of South Dakota at Vermillion as a professor in 1925 and was a member of the staff of the Department of History until his retirement in 1969. During Schell's 44 years of service in higher education, he also held other various positions. Some of these included the Department Chairmanship for several years and he served a three-year term on the executive committee of the Mississippi Valley Historical Association. From 1936 to 1964, Schell served as the Dean of the Graduate School at the University of South Dakota.

AUBREY SHERWOOD

A LEADER IN THE DESMET COMMUNITY

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For over 50 years as editor and owner of the DeSmet News, and long after retirement, Aubrey Sherwood was the unofficial historian of DeSmet–constantly pushing the community into the limelight for its worthiness as a prairie town and its “production” of people who have contributed to many facets of Americana. As a newspaper editor, Sherwood had a natural vehicle for the preservation of the history of the town, county, and all prairie life. He did this with tenacity through his columns in the paper. He also became a source of verbal information on events and characters of the past.

1893 - 1989

ALFRED STRANDELL

A COMMUNITY BUILDER

HOMETOWN PEDRO, SD

Alfred Strandell was a self-made man. What began as fresh fish and a crate of lettuce and oranges grew into a substantial grocery store, while Alfred himself became a well-known and popular figure in Wall, South Dakota. Strandell decided to run for city council although his friends encouraged him to run for mayor. He campaigned hard and was elected, serving as Mayor of Wall from 1958 to 1974. During these years, Strandell was able to institute major improvements in the rural community. The first deep-water well was completed in 1962, and a new city sales tax enabled Wall to curb and pave nearly all of the city streets.

WINIFRED ZIEMANN

A DEVOTED TEACHER

1894 - 1984

• CATEGORY GENERAL

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HOMETOWN MIDLAND, SD

Winifred Ziemann devoted her whole life to people. Throughout her career, she held many positions. She was elected Stanley County Superintendent, was a substitute teacher, librarian, bookkeeper, and a drama and debate coach. During Ziemann’s teaching years, she taught every grade between kindergarten and 12th grade. Ziemann’s home was always open. She often helped students with homework, making use of her own library. After teaching a total of 55 years in area schools, Ziemann postponed her retirement because, as she had always done before, when there was a need, she filled it; she became the librarian for the new Midland Public Library.

BOARD

of DIRECTORS

HUGH BARTELS

MIKE CARTNEY

MICHELLE LAVALLEE

DAVE ROZENBOOM

DZENAN BERBEROVIC

BRADLEY HAUPT

GERRY LIKNESS

ANN McKAY THOMPSON

MARCI BURDICK

RANDY HOUDEK

ERICA PETERSON

LOREN TSCHETTER

PETE CAPPA

STEVE FLANERY

JOHN PORTER

Rapid City, SD

CLASS of 2023

BRUCE BAD MOCCASIN

Rapid City, SD

WALT BONES

Chancellor, SD

Wessington Springs, SD

Madison, SD

Hartford, SD

GARY MULE DEER

Spearfish, SD

LARRY ROHRER

Beresford, SD

HANAI SHAFAI

Rapid City, SD

ADAM VINATIERI

Zionsville, IN

DR. ROBERT ARNIO

DR. PAMELA HOMAN

DR. THOMAS DEAN

DR. JOSÉ-MARIE GRIFFITHS

Continuing Your Story

YOUR LEGACY OF ACHIEVEMENT PAGE

As an inductee of the South Dakota Hall of Fame, you are encouraged to share more of the lifelong experiences that have formed your own Legacy of Achievement. Your story will be available to anyone, but will be particularly meaningful to South Dakota youth, your family, friends, and business associates. These exceptional stories and media (video, photos, and audio) will provide impactful engagement to your story for the youth, schools, communities, organizations, and media that use Inductee biographies.

WHAT TO ADD TO A LEGACY PAGE

Create a comprehensive Legacy of Achievement page with updates over the years! Have there been any material changes to update in your biography (i.e. retirement, awards, business acquisition, etc)? You can add to your story, link to articles or publications you have been featured in, add video, and more.

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What are some of the challenges that you have faced in your life and how did you address them?

What advice would you offer people who want to achieve their dreams?

Do you have any publications, videos, or other information that you feel would be useful to “Champion a Culture of Excellence in South Dakota?”

HOW TO ADD TO A LEGACY

Contact the South Dakota Hall of Fame by calling 605.234.4216 or sending an email to info@sdhalloffame.org

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS AT SDHALLOFFAME.ORG