SOUTH DAKOTA HALL OF FAME ANNUAL INDUCTEE ANNIVERSARIES REUNION
We are excited to announce the 2018 Inductee Anniversaries Reunion!
This is a special event during the Honors Ceremony for Anniversary Inductees to celebrate their stories since their induction and an opportunity to greet the new inductees.
There are exciting happenings with the Hall programming in particular to the Reunion Members, with the opportunity to update the inductee story through the Legacy of Achievement Program, the recognizing of everyday Acts of Excellence and a new platform for adding inductee stories to the statewide K-12 South Dakota History program Legends & Learning. All programs can be found on our website sdexcellence.org.
Each Anniversary Inductee or Family Member/Representative of a deceased Inductee, along with guests, are celebrated during the event. Each inductee or representative will receive an anniversary pin, along with information on how to continue to add to the inductee’s story of excellence to inspire, mentor, and lead generations in South Dakota. Program SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 SOUTH DAKOTA HALL OF FAME VISITOR & EDUCATION CENTER CHAMBERLAIN, SD
2:30 PM Welcome 2:50 PM Honoring Anniversary Classes with Anniversary Pins 3:00 PM Social 4:00 PM Ceremony Reception begins at Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort 5:30 PM Honors Ceremony Banquet Table of Contents 4 12 21 1988 INDUCTEES 1993 INDUCTEES 1998 INDUCTEES 30 YEARS 25 YEARS 20 YEARS Mahpiyato Blue Cloud Raleigh Barker Dr. Frank Aplan Walter Bones Lionel Bordeaux James Aplan DeWitt Booth Dr. Roscoe Dean Bertyne Birkland Fr. Columban Bregenzer White Eagle David Christensen Dr. William Donahoe Abner George Curley Haisch Parnell Donohue Sylvia Henkin Rose Haisch Leif Hanson Dr. Warren Jones Dr. John Hamre Jakways Kesling Joe Kirby Melvin Hanthorn Charles Lien Wallace Larsen Boyd Hopkins Paul Marschalk Dr. John Milton Eunice Hovland Winfred Reutter George Mortimer Howard Hovland Mildred Sandal Robert Perry Dr. Benjamin Kantack Leland Warne Arthur “Joe” Quintal Pat O’Brien Dr. Karl Wegner Leland Schoenhard Robert Penn Korczak Ziolkowski Dr. Harold Schuknecht Calvin Schultz Ruth Ziolkowski Mildred Sutton Dr. Robert Wagner Leonard ‘Bud’ Williams Anson Yeager 30 37 44 2003 INDUCTEES 2008 INDUCTEES 2013 INDUCTEES 15 YEARS 10 YEARS 5 YEARS Dr. Charles Balcer Sue Brown Miles Beacom C. John Egan Jr. Thomas Daschle Ruth Brennan Richard Ekstrum Gordon Fosness Bernard Christenson Alfred “Bud” Jetty Rodney Fouberg Shirley Halleen Sister Blanche Kribell Dr. James O. Hansen William Janklow Helen Madsen Gordon Hanson Dennis Knutson LuVerne Madsen Peter Hegg Pat Lebrun Dr. Thomas F. Malone Elmer Karl Thomas Lillibridge Rev. Stanislaus Maudlin Evelyn Leite Jerry Shoener Roger McKellips Dr. James Martin Charles Trimble Dr. Raymond Moore Rev. Dr. Donald Messer Ben Radcliffe Dr. Vernon Ronald Nelson Theodore Spaulding Clint Roberts Dr. Vance Thompson
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Mahpiyato Blue Cloud Charles Lien Walter Bones Paul Marschalk DeWitt Booth Winfred Reutter Fr. Columban Bregenzer Mildred Sandal Dr. William Donahoe Leland Warne Parnell Donohue Dr. Karl Wegner Leif Hanson Korczak Ziolkowski Jakways Kesling Ruth Ziolkowski 1988
MAHPIYATO BLUE CLOUD HISTORICAL | 1833–1918 | EASTERN SD
Blue Cloud, a Yankton Sioux, was a man of peace. He embraced Christianity, seeing this as a way of living in harmony with the white man. He was the last hereditary chief of the Yankton Sioux. As a child, Blue Cloud was christened William Bean after his father, Major Jonathan Bean, who was a settler of the trading posts Man of for the Yankton Sioux. Blue Cloud was also known as Mahpiyato (Blue Sky) and grew up under the influence peace of uncles Joseph and Paul Picotte, who were fur traders. 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.
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WALTER BONES GENERAL | 1927–1995 | PARKER, SD
As the first president of the S.D. Stockgrowers from eastern South Dakota, Walter Bones worked to broaden the organization statewide instead of just having west-river membership. He initiated having annual statewide area meetings, which continue to this day, and was the first to have an annual meeting East River. Bones was instrumental Pioneer in founding the S.D. Beef Council and getting the S.D. Stockgrowers, CowBelles, Livestock Feeders, and Auction in SD Markets working together in one organization. He was invited to participate in a special White House conference agriculture on nutrition and health, engaged in an International Harvester “Think Tank” forum of farm leaders, and was also involved with the prestigious “Swift Trip” to view the meat industry from market to consumer.
DEWITT BOOTH PROFESSIONAL | 1867–1927 | SPEARFISH, SD
D. C. Booth served as the first superintendent of the Spearfish Hatchery (now known as the D.C. Booth Historic Fish Hatchery) in Spearfish from 1899 until his retirement in 1933. He came to the Spearfish Hatchery as the youngest superintendent in both age and service when the hatchery was still under construction. He established Fish the Yellowstone Fisheries in 1901 and continued to supply them for 10 years. During the years which corresponded hatchery with D. C. Booth’s superintendence, the Spearfish facility played a key role in the development of trout stocking legacy programs and techniques across the American West and the world. Booth’s philosophies and personality would dominate the hatchery for over 30 years.
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FR. COLUMBAN BREGENZER GENERAL | 1864–1946 | STURGIS, SD
Father Bregenzer arrived in Sturgis, SD, on January 14, 1903 from Conception Abbey, Conception, MO. 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 lasted until his death in 1946. Forty-three years of A true service to the community of Sturgis, the diocese of Rapid City and St. Martin’s Academy, established Father builder Columban Bregenzer as a true builder of South Dakota heritage. Father Columban also traveled to surrounding of South settlements to minister to the Catholic population. Father Dakota Columban was a leader in the little frontier community and saw it grow into a thriving business center. He served heritage on the Board of Education, participated in civic activities and was a popular speaker at public meetings.
WILLIAM DONAHOE PROFESSIONAL | 1886–1975 | SIOUX FALLS, SD
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 the treatment and prevention of diseases afflicting children. In these efforts, he published many medical papers on childhood ailments. He consequently Devoted promoted public health programs to further community betterment. He was instrumental in founding the pediatrician Pediatric Department of the School of Medicine of the & promoter University of South Dakota, and establishing the Bureau of Vital Statistics for the State of South Dakota. He served of public as a Pediatrician to the Lutheran Welfare Society, the S.D. Children’s Home, the Presentation Home for Children health and the S.D. School for the Deaf.
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PARNELL DONOHUE PROFESSIONAL | 1916–1990 | BONESTEEL, SD
Parnell Donohue was the first Democratic Attorney General for South Dakota, serving from 1959 to 1961. 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 First Justice Training School. He earned a special commendation for his initiative in establishing and implementing the first Democratic County Highway Safety Council. Donohue also served the Attorney state as Ambassador in the South Dakota Diplomatic Corps under three administrations. He has been cited in Who’s General Who of South Dakota and Who’s Who in America and was named American Legionnaire of the Year. Donohue was a in SD member of the American Trial Lawyers Association.
LEIF HANSON GENERAL | 1906–1981 | PHILIP, SD
Leif Hanson had lots of vision and lots of faith. Having grown up in a large family, it didn’t take him long to learn the meaning of hard work. Blessed with ambition, drive and sensitivity to others, and growing up in hard times, he came to believe that someone in need was someone who had to be taken care of. If a family needed a milk cow or A kind a few chickens, it seemed he could always find a way to help. Around 1945, he moved to Philip, SD, and bought rancher and ran the Hanson Hardware & Implement Co., and then built the Philip Livestock Auction and ran that until he with a moved to Ft. Pierre in 1953. He purchased the Ft. Pierre generous Livestock Commission, which he ran for over 25 years and, with the help of his family, he developed it into one of spirit the largest sale barns in South Dakota.
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JAKWAYS “J.D.” KESLING PROFESSIONAL | 1908–1999 | TIMBER LAKE, SD
As a mortician and a licensed aviator, Jakways “J.D.” Kesling was known throughout the state as “the flying funeral director”. Following four years of college at Harvard, he was set to join the Army Air Forces, but returned to Timber Lake when his mother fell ill. After her death, he took over management of Smith Hardware in Timber Lake, South later changing it to Kesling Hardware and Lumber. He eventually operated Kesling Construction, building over Dakota’s 200 houses, churches and commercial buildings in the area. Kesling was licensed as a mortician in July of 1934, flying after which he purchased a funeral home in Timber Lake. In funeral 1941, he acquired his pilot’s license, and began operating an air ambulance service. In 1963, he established a second director funeral home in the town of Mobridge and served as Dewey County Coroner for 30 years.
CHARLES LIEN PROFESSIONAL | 1925-2018 | RAPID CITY, SD
Charles Lien had a passion for the construction supply company he founded with his father and brother in 1944. As the chairman, vice president and owner, Lien was always fully involved in the business and worked there for 75 years. Lien also lent his time as a local leader in the Rapid City community, whose influence could be felt Lasting throughout politics, support of military veterans, parks and recreation, youth sports, and more. He was involved legacy of in many organizations including United Fund, the Rapid City Lions Club, and the Rapid City Area Chamber of thriving Commerce. During his career, Lien earned many accolades, most notably Sertoma’s International Service to Mankind business Award, and the Family Business Didier Award.
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PAUL MARSCHALK SPORTS | 1901–1990 | PIERRE, SD
Paul Marschalk was a major figure in South Dakota high school athletics for more than 30 years. From 1926-44 he served as Athletic Director, teacher and coach of all sports in the 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 Mr. won both regional and state titles. Marschalk is also credited with the invention of the Improva-Shot, a device Basketball utilized by basketball coaches to improve a player’s shooting accuracy. He also developed a shooting chart and scorebook that are still being used today. He has been inducted into the South Dakota Coaches Hall of Fame, South Dakota Sportswriters Hall of Fame, and is known as “Mr. Basketball” throughout the state.
WINFRED REUTTER ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | 1909–UNKNOWN WHITE RIVER, SD
In writings dating back to the 1920s and 30s, Winifred Reutter helped preserve the heritage of the White River area as a junior editor of Sunshine Magazine. During her career, Reutter published many works, including an award- winning country history book titled Early Dakota Days, and contributed many stories to Dakota West, Dakota Farmer, Prairie and Pasque Petals. Reutter worked as a correspondent for poet & the Associated Press and spent 10 years with the United Press International for the Argus Leader and the Rapid City writer Journal. She also received the Dakota State College Award for Distinguished Contribution to South Dakota History.
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MILDRED SANDAL GENERAL | 1903–2002 | MOENVILLE, SD Mildred Sandal studied to become a teacher at Black Hills Teachers College in Spearfish, SD, after which she taught school for seven years and continued to work on her own education during the summers. In 1927, Mildred married Arthur Sandal, and four years later, they took over operation of the Moenville Post Office in their home. At the same time the post office was getting its new start, Mildred began Preserving writing the “Moenville News,” a report on events and items of western interest to the Moenville community. The articles appeared in various newspapers but principally in the Philip Pioneer South Review. Mildred’s “Moenville News” became a continuing Dakota chronicle of events in the community and often the sole source of written information concerning a significant heritage portion of the Haakon and Stanley County rural population.
LELAND WARNE AGRICULTURE | 1922-2002 | ONIDA, SD
After participating in World War II, Leland Warne returned to the family ranch in Sully County. He continued to improve the ranch until it was one of the largest and most productive ranches in the area. His hobby of raising Appaloosa horses later became a profitable business with a nucleus of about 40 mares and three stallions. Warne produced five National Champion Champions and Medallion winners with sales to nearly every state and internationally. Warne was active in the initial horse planning and construction of the Oahe Grain Corporation at Onida, SD, and was the original incorporator and president breeder & of the Sully County Bank. He later served as president of the Center of the National Appaloosa Horse Club in South rancher Dakota. He was instrumental in bringing the 23rd National Appaloosa Show to Huron, SD in 1970, the largest horse show of any breed in the nation at that time.
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KARL H. WEGNER, M.D. PROFESSIONAL | 1930–2014 | PIERRE, SD
Dr. Karl H. Wegner was popularly known as the “father” of South Dakota’s four year degree-granting medical school. He began his more than 30 year involvement with the USD School of Medicine in 1962 when he returned to South Dakota from Massachusetts and joined the two year school’s faculty as Assistant Clinical Professor of Pathology Father of and Associate Professor of Medicine without salary, a condition stated on his contract. He flew wherever needed, SD’s first mostly at his own expense, to get the new four year medical school known today as the USD Sanford Medical School 4-year fully accredited. His exceptional teaching skills, his desire to medical serve the state he loved, and his ability to make his vision a reality transformed South Dakota from medically deprived school into the regional medical center we know today.
KORCZAK & RUTH ZIOLKOWSKI ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | 1908–1982 | 1926-2014
Korczak Ziolkowski was a self-taught sculptor, architect and engineer who arrived in the Black Hills in 1946 to begin work on the Crazy Horse Memorial. As a youth, Ruth volunteered her assistance with the sculpture. During the winter months of 1948, she helped Korczak build the 741-foot staircase to the top of the mountain; in 1951 Sculptors she directed him by radio from the studio as he painted the outline of the sculpture on the mountain. In 1950, of Crazy the couple were married. The Ziolkowskis worked on the project free of charge and without monetary support from Horse the government, with all funding coming from private individuals, organizations and businesses. Although the Memorial Ziolkowskis passed away before the completion of the Crazy Horse Memorial, their family continues their dream.
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Raleigh Barker Dr. John Milton Lionel Bordeaux George Mortimer Dr. Roscoe Dean Robert Perry White Eagle Arthur “Joe” Quintal Abner George Leland Schoenhard Sylvia Henkin Dr. Harold Schuknecht Dr. Warren Jones Mildred Sutton Joe Kirby Leonard “Bud” Williams Wallace Larsen 1993
RALEIGH BARKER PROFESSIONAL | 1894–1994 | DENBY, SD
Starting in 1922, Raleigh Everett Barker served the residents of the Pine Ridge Reservation for 47 years as interpreter, storekeeper, bookkeeper, friend and in various other capacities. He was trusted as a financial adviser, insurance representative, postmaster and businessman. He kept business hours six days a week, Trusted longer during harvest and planting, and still found time to teach Sunday school and give a sermon on Sunday. friend of Through Barker’s services to others, he provided a link to the outside world in an otherwise desolate area. the Lakota Some of his experiences are published in his book Tales people from a Reservation Storekeeper, and in My Lakota Friends.
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LIONEL BORDEAUX HISTORICAL | ROSEBUD, SD
As president of Sinte Gleska University in Rosebud, SD, Lionel Bordeaux has lived his dream of seeing the continuation of higher education for the Lakota Sioux people. Bordeaux provided leadership for the passage and authorization of tribal college legislation, for the first fully accredited reservation based institution of higher Dedicated education at the Bachelor’s degree level and instituted the first reservation based Master’s degree program. He champion has received many accolades during his tenure including Outstanding Administrator of the Year by Black Hills of tribal State University in affiliated status with Sinte Gleska College. Bordeaux currently serves and been a member education of organizations including the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, National Indian Education Association; American Indian College Fund and the Americans for Indian Opportunity.
DR. ROSCOE DEAN PROFESSIONAL | 1917–2009 WESSINGTON SPRINGS, SD
Dr. Roscoe Dean was a champion and constant supporter of adequate rural health care. After contracting pulmonary tuberculosis in 1945 while interning at Ancker Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota, he returned home to recuperate, where he immediately recognized the need for more physicians in rural areas. Together he and Attorney Pioneer General Frank Farrar began to work on the crisis, forming of rural the Blue Ribbon Committee to identify problems and find solutions in rural health care. Throughout his years of health working to upgrade the rural health system, Dr. Dean was also a family physician to thousands of patients, some who care lived hundred of miles away.
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WHITE EAGLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | 1951–1995 MISSION, SD
White Eagle, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Reservation, determined at an early age that he wanted to become an opera singer. At the age of five, this minister’s son gave his first public performance in his father’s church. In 1971, he made his professional debut as a soloist at one of the nation’s largest churches and two years later began Awe- working with the vocal group Re-Generation. Over the inspiring next eight years White Eagle performed more than 4,000 concerts to some five million people in the U. S. and Canada. opera In 1985 White Eagle graduated from the Merola Opera Program at the San Francisco Opera. Afterwards there singer were appearances at some of the country’s premier opera houses including the Florentine and Cleveland Operas. He became the first Native American to sing leading roles in both opera and American musical theater.
ABNER GEORGE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | 1915-2006 RAPID CITY, SD
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. He became Rapid City’s first full-time radio newsman when he joined KOTA (then KOBH) in 1938. Throughout most of The voice his lengthy radio career in Rapid City, George announced of the the early morning news, arising between 4 and 5 a.m. each day to check the early wire report prior to going on the Black air. His professional philosophy is based in the tenets of accuracy and responsibility in reporting and his personal Hills philosophy on truth and fairness.
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SYLVIA HENKIN PROFESSIONAL | 1921–2018 | SIOUX FALLS, SD
Sylvia Henkin was a television personality known as the hostess of Party Line, a local public affairs and interview program. Henkin was also an active leader in her community and throughout the state of South Dakota, and known for organizing the Sioux Falls St. Patrick’s Day parade. She served in many organizations, including Local the Board of Directors of FirstBank of South Dakota, a member of the South Dakota State Chamber of Commerce, radio & President of YWCA, and countless others. Since 1975 she has been awarded at least twenty major awards, including television the YWCA Communications Person of the Year, Veteran’s star Administration Commendation, South Dakota Broadcaster of the Year, and United Way Good Person of the Year, and the South Dakota Advertising Federation’s Silver Medal.
DR. WARREN JONES PROFESSIONAL | 1921–2004 | BOWDLE, SD
Aberdeen native Dr. Warren Jones has dedicated his life to the teaching and practice of medicine. The son of a physician, Jones initially intended to study dentistry, but later switched his major to pre-med. From 1951 to 1975, Jones taught cardiovascular physiology at the University of South Dakota Medical Center, where he was instrumental Eminent in developing the school’s four-year medical curriculum. Jones was the first physician in the state to perform an South electrical cardiovision, a procedure that is used to restore a regular rhythm to the human heart, and which he then Dakota promoted and demonstrated. Jones also was instrumental heart in the development and application of the first implanted doctor cardiac pacemaker in South Dakota.
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JOE KIRBY PROFESSIONAL | 1863–1926 | SIOUX FALLS, SD
Joe Kirby was a prominent pioneer lawyer in Sioux Falls. He was the patriarch of a large family, which has been active in the city for four generations. He also founded Kirby Law Office and Western Surety Company, one of the principal employers in the city of Sioux Falls, SD. One day, on a train en route to the nation’s capitol, Kirby met some Prominent businessmen who were affiliated with some eastern-based bonding companies, which resulted in Kirby establishing pioneer the Western Surety Company in 1900. Over the next ten years the company grew, not only throughout South lawyer 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 GENERAL | 1931-2017 | RAPID CITY, SD 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 The state’s states across the country. Significant projects included the Dakota Dunes interchange, the Forest City Bridge authority landslide stabilization, Deadwood north grading, the Louise Avenue interchange in Sioux Falls, and the Cedar Shore on highway marina basin near Oacoma, SD. Wallace Larsen is widely known as “Mr. Transportation” owing to his considerable planning efforts in illuminating and persuading many legislative bodies, governors, county and city officials.
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DR. JOHN MILTON ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | 1924–1995 VERMILLION, SD Dr. John Milton’s literary influence extends beyond the state of South Dakota. As founder and editor of the South Dakota Review and as an instructor at the University of South Dakota, Milton served as a mentor to many of the school’s graduates including writers Elly Welt, Michael Doane and Linda Hasselstrom. In 1963, Milton assumed Prolific the chairmanship of the English Department at the writer & University of South Dakota. With $400 in seed money from Dean Elbert W. Harrington, Milton began editing literary and publishing the South Dakota Review. During his career, Milton published more than 330 works, including 15 books influencer of poetry, prose and non-fiction in addition to short stories, and journal articles. 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 GENERAL | 1909–1999 | BELLE FOURCHE, SD Known as South Dakota’s “Will Rogers,” George Mortimer was born on August 11, 1909, in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. During his tenure with the South Dakota State Legislature, Mortimer chaired the Health & Welfare Committee and in that position worked toward establishing the four-year medical school program for the state. He Key figure was also a key figure in starting the Physicians Assistant Program, whose graduates provide much-needed care to in South citizens in the state’s rural areas. Mortimer also served on the state’s Agricultural and Natural Resource Committee, Dakota where he was instrumental in re-writing the state’s strip- health mining bill. In 1980 and 1986, he was named the Wildlife Conservation Legislator of the Year on both a state and care national level for his efforts in that area.
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ROBERT PERRY HISTORICAL | 1916–1998 | ABERDEEN, SD
Robert “Bob” Perry was a historian credited as the primary advocate for Fort Sisseton to become a state park. Perry also chaired the drive to make Sichi Hollow into a state park and for its recognition as a national historical site. During his career at Northwestern Bell, he became interested in history and community involvement. He Avid became an avid collector of Dakota Central memorabilia, a telephone company that was dissolved in 1942. Perry collector & organized most of the 7,000 documents for the J.L.W. historian Zietlow Telephone Pioneer Museum in Aberdeen, one of the best independent telephone museums in the nation. Perry also wrote the book Prayer Rock, which was the result of over 40 years of research on the Glacial Lake area of South Dakota. Prayer Rock is used as a textbook in several South Dakota school systems.
ARTHUR “JOE” QUINTAL SPORTS | 1912-1985 | MITCHELL, SD Arthur “Joe” Quintal was athletic director and coach of Mitchell High School’s football, basketball, and track programs for over 35 years. In 1930, his 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 Over three program, serving many years on the board of control, and was the first commissioner of the South Dakota decades of Intercollegiate Conference. Arthur Quintal was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the National High unequaled School Athletic Association in 1972 and the Distinguished coaching Service Award from the South Dakota High School Activities Association. His career has touched the lives of success thousands of South Dakota youth.
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LELAND SCHOENHARD PROFESSIONAL | 1920–1996 | CHAMBERLAIN, SD Over the years, Leland 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, and in 1954, added a local lumberyard to this operation. In 1963, Schoenhard was one of the founders and principal shareholders of Tri- Entrepreneur County State Bank, serving as a bank director for 26 years. Schoenhard’s other business accomplishments include in the operating a trucking firm, feeding approximately 80,000 business of head of beef cattle at his feedlot east of Chamberlain, owning Missouri Valley Grain Co. and combining farming giving back with commercial hunting at Clark Ranch north of Lower Brule. He founded the Schoenhard Community Foundation, which supports worthy projects in Chamberlain and the surrounding communities.
DR. HAROLD SCHUKNECHT PROFESSIONAL | 1917–1996 | CHANCELLOR, SD Dr. 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 1980’s, Dr. Schuknecht was Among the Walter Augustus LeCompte professor of ontology and professor of laryngology at the Harvard Medical School, world’s and chief otolaryngology at he Massachusetts Eye and Ear Informatory. During his career, he received many foremost prestigious awards, and was greatly in demand as a guest ear lecturer in his specialty. During WWII, Harold Schuknecht served as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Army Corps, with the surgeons rank of captain.
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MILDRED SUTTON GENERAL | 1902–1983 | ONIDA, SD
Raising the kids and feeding the help was what was expected of a mother in the early days of South Dakota, but Mildred Sutton exceeded this stereotype of a pioneer woman and mother. Along with the support of running the family ranch, Mildred was also an active Democrat and served as Sully County Democratic County Female Chairman, and is credited with almost single-handedly keeping the Democratic Party alive in Sully County. pioneer & Mildred was a joiner even when the kids were little and times were tough. She was also a leader in the Onida political School District and an organizer of the school’s expansion. activist She was a member of the Onida School District Board, the Sully County School District Board and Sully County Democratic County Chairman at a time when women were not very active in politics or issues outside of the home. 1998
LEONARD “BUD” WILLIAMS GENERAL | 1918-2006 | MITCHELL, SD Leonard B. Williams was born and raised in Mitchell, SD. He attended the Mitchell Public Schools, where he graduated high school in 1936. He was employed in the parts department of Rozum Motor Company until drafted in the U.S. Army in April of 1942. He served in WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. In 1968, after 26 years A vision of of service, Williams retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. After retirement, Williams returned to Mitchell, where he served growth for as Director of the YMCA through 1973. Then in 1985, Williams was elected to the Mitchell City Council and the the future following year as the Mayor of the City of Mitchell until 1993. Property taxes lowered by 12% during his tenure, of Mitchell and the groundwork he laid for growth and improvement in Mitchell will continue long into the future.
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Dr. Frank Aplan Eunice Hovland James Aplan Howard Hovland Bertyne Birkland Dr. Benjamin Kantack David Christensen Pat O’Brien Hollis “Curley” Haisch Robert Penn Rose Haisch Calvin Schultz Dr. John Hamre Dr. Robert Wagner Melvin Hanthorn Anson Yeager Boyd Hopkins 1998
DR. FRANK APLAN PROFESSIONAL | FORT PIERRE, SD
A course in general metallurgy at SDSM&T sparked Frank’s decision that his life’s work would be in metallurgical engineering. During his career, Frank would alternate between academic life and work in industry, leading to a rather nomadic life but a fantastic learning experience. After a decade with Union Carbide, where Distinguished Frank rose from research engineer to group manager Professor of mineral engineering research and development, he accepted an offer at Penn State as professor and Emeritus of department head of mineral processing. Dr. Aplan has metallurgy had over 30 years of academic experience emphasizing & mineral both teaching and research, and has received many professional honors, including having an award named processing in his honor by the Engineering Foundation.
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JAMES APLAN HISTORICAL | PIEDMONT, SD
No matter where he was, Jim Aplan collected 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, SD. In 1977, he moved to the Okaton State Bank at Midland, SD as Manager. At Midland, Jim became active in several local organizations, Historical where his greatest achievement was the 1983 fight to save the railroad across western South Dakota. That same collector & year, Jim moved to Hulett, WY to become president of the curator of Hulett National Bank, which grew at a rapid pace with Jim at the helm and today is the pride of the community. Jim SD culture retired from banking in 1986 to devote time to his hobby of collecting and merchandising. Jim and his wife Peggy have donated their time, money, and materials to several museums and historical organizations and have received many awards for historical displays of their collections. BERTYNE BIRKLAND GENERAL | 1893-1987 | SIOUX FALLS, SD During WWI, Bertyne Birkland formed a women’s group to knit garments for the soldiers and to share ideas for learning and personal growth. This group, called the Pleasant Study Club is still in existence today, as part of the General International Federation of Women’s Clubs. In her career, she served 25 years as a social worker and director of Public Gifted Welfare Service, until she was appointed by Governor Nils Boe to the state Department of Public Welfare, from 1964 writer to 1969. Birkland was a also gifted writer, whose memoir Let the Boy Go tells the story of her Norwegian immigrant & social family and their struggles of life on the prairie where not worker even a tree softened the skyline. Birkland’s other published literary works include Tumbleweeds, a collection of poems written throughout her life.
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DAVID CHRISTENSEN PROFESSIONAL | SIOUX FALLS, SD From a young age, David Christensen was destined for a leadership role, displaying his skills as Governor of South Dakota Boys State. Following graduation from South Dakota State University, and a couple years in the Army Corps of Engineers, Christensen returned to South Dakota and took a job at John Morrell Company in Sioux Falls. Bold During this time, he coached a baseball team and became commissioner of the entire league. As fate would have it, a leadership player on his team was Joe Kaliszewski, one of the original & service founders of Raven Industries. Kaliszewski eventually invited him to apply for a job. Less than 10 years later, he to the was elected president of the company. Under his leadership as president and CEO of Raven, the company grew from community $8.3 million in annual sales and less than 400 employees to over $149.6 million in sales and 1500 employees.
HOLLIS “CURLEY” HAISCH GENERAL | 1912–2009 | BONESTEEL, SD Beginning in 1931, Curley Haisch and his wife Rose lived on and loved the scenic Mulehead Ranch for many years. Its 6,000 acres along the banks of the Missouri River stretched from Chamberlain all the way south to its present headquarters in Bonesteel. An important part of Curley and Rose’s ranch was the wildlife habitat they encouraged. Excellence Long before the days of commercial hunting, the Haisch’s top-notch hunting and hosting at the ranch attracted an in land assortment of hunters, including well-known sportsmen & ranch like Joe Foss. Among the honors Curley and Rose earned for their excellence in land and ranch management include management the 1996 Excellence in Grazing Management Award for pasture and wildlife, and a day named in their honor by Governor Bill Janklow.
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ROSE HAISCH GENERAL | 1912–2007 | BONESTEEL, SD
Rose Haisch and her husband Curley were known for their hard work and warm hospitality at the scenic Mulehead Ranch. Since the 1930s, the ranch flourished under their management, and today the entire community shares the benefits of their hard work. Rose was known throughout the community from her years of service Legacy as the Charles Mix County Auditor and through her support of the Rosebud Rancherette Cattle Women. The of hard Haisch’s highest prize, however, comes straight from the people who knew them as a part of the Bonesteel-Fairfax work & community. Their generous gifts include substantial support for a modern swimming pool that serves families generosity from a number of communities in Gregory County, as well as the Haisch Haus, an assisted living care facility which is home to 16 elderly residents. DR. JOHN HAMRE GENERAL | CLARK, SD
John J. Hamre is a specialist in international studies, a former Washington government official and President and CEO of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a position he has held with that think tank since 2000. As the former Deputy Secretary of Defense, he was the second in command at the Pentagon, and responsible Former for the formulation of general defense policy and policy related to all matters of direct concern to the department Deputy of Defense. As the Deputy Secretary of Defense, Dr. Hamre spearheaded reform in the Department Secretary of Defense. He launched business re-engineering of Defense 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.
24 1998 INDUCTEES
MELVIN HANTHORN GENERAL | 1924-2010 | WATERTOWN, SD Since his accident in 1979, Mel Hanthorn has carved diamond willow and spiral canes for use by anyone with a disability. These canes have been distributed at Mayo Clinic, numerous Parkinson’s disease support groups, and to anyone who requests one. As an act of kindness and goodwill, Mel accepts no payment for his canes, distributing Advocate nearly 1,800 canes to people in need. Mel has been involved in various walk-a-thon fundraisers, the Brookings KBRK for people Speak Up Program, and has presented numerous times at the Sioux Falls Parkinson’s support group. As an active with backer of the Watertown Camp Courage, Mel has made disabilities a tremendous impact on the lives of young mentally and physically challenged children. Mel served as an inspiration on how to live life to the fullest, despite any difficulties.
BOYD HOPKINS PROFESSIONAL | 1918-2003 | DALZELL, SD In 1944, Boyd Hopkins went into the trucking and taxi business in Spearfish with his father-in-law, Clarence Campbell. By 1947 he was ready for new horizons and banking beckoned. He contracted his former banker who hired him as a teller and bookkeeper. He eventually became a manager at Iroquois Bank, and purchased the controlling Exceptional interest in 1961. Since then, Boyd’s determination, foresight, and leadership has guided the bank — now known business as CorTrust Bank — into a strong position with 15 branches in 12 communities. He has been the quintessential banker leader & by serving on the Executive Council and Legislative Council citizen of the South Dakota Banker’s Association. His “no nonsense” approach to business and a great sense of humor made him a valuable member of the business and service community.
25 1998 INDUCTEES
EUNICE HOVLAND GENERAL | SIOUX FALLS, SD Eunice Hovland was the great-granddaughter of a pioneer homesteader from Norway to Minnehaha County. She attended Augustana College and married her sweetheart, Howard Hovland. After graduating from Augustana College in 1950, they both began their teaching careers in the Hartford Public School. In 1957, they both graduated Lifetime with their Master of Arts degrees from Greeley, Colorado. Cooperation, concern and a sense of sharing describe the of service Hovlands in their efforts over a lifetime of service and care for the adult learner. Ever since they have met, many of & care their benchmarks have been attained together. Teamwork for adult has been an integral part of their professional life and also learners of their married life of more than 50 years.
HOWARD HOVLAND GENERAL | SIOUX FALLS, SD As life-long learners, Howard and Eunice Hovland continued to attend summer and evening school for many years. This zest for knowledge continued as they obtained postgraduate work at a number of universities including SDSU and USD. These experiences ultimately led them to suggest and propose the first adult basic education Founder of program, which they succeeded in developing in Sioux Falls as well as in the state of South Dakota. This program the South served people who needed a second chance to upgrade Dakota basic skills, to assist them in gaining feelings of self worth, and to become more able to contribute to society. Howard Adult was instrumental in forming the first South Dakota Adult Education Education Association, and served as its first president. Association 26 1998 INDUCTEES
DR. BENJAMIN KANTACK GENERAL | 1927-2017 | BROOKINGS, SD Dr. Benjamin Kantack came to South Dakota State University in 1962 as a classroom teacher in entomology, 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 helped farmers and Professor ranchers manage the insect population on their properties. Dr. Kantack also shared his knowledge with South Dakota’s Emeritus & citizens through a series of television and radio programs, as well as through farm field research days and meetings with Consulting agricultural groups. With fellow entomologist Dr. Robert Entomologist Kieckhefer, the pair worked out economic thresholds for small grains, identifying the financial feasibility of spraying crops. Their research and subsequent application of their findings saved farmers millions of dollars.
PAT O’BRIEN ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | SIOUX FALLS, SD Pat O’Brien has become a household name for his work on television, and more particularly television sporting events. His work in the television industry and sports commentating has propelled his career to the top of the entertainment business. O’Brien began his career with CBS Sports in 1981 as a sports news reporter. He has Household hosted two Winter Olympics, the Super Bowl, the World Series, the NBA Finals, the NBA and Major League All- name in Star games, the NCAA Final Four Tournament, and other premier sporting events. In addition to his work for CBS radio & Sports, O’Brien co-hosted Access Hollywood and reality- television based primetime Learning Channel series How’d They Do That? He also writes monthly columns in LIVE! Magazine, and has written guest columns in TV Guide.
27 1998 INDUCTEES
ROBERT PENN ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | 1946-1999 VERMILLION, SD Robert 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 1966, Robert won a scholarship to attend Oscar Howe’s summer workshop. After the successful workshop, Penn entered the University of South Dakota, Nationally and after graduating, became an illustrator for the recognized USD School of Medicine. He then taught art at various schools and colleges for the next several years. Over Native the next twenty-five years, Robert established himself as a leading American Indian artist. His work is included American in an impressive number of public collections, including those of the Smithsonian Institute and the Minneapolis artist Institute of Arts.
CALVIN SCHULTZ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | 1926-2004 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. At an early age, he became interested in art, drawing on and using whatever materials he could scrape together. He developed an intense interest in the murals on the Corn Palace, never dreaming that someday Art those very panels would feature his designs. Following instructor studies at Dakota Wesleyan University and the Omaha Art School, Cal taught ceramics at the Joslyn Art Museum and & Corn exhibited his art. Cal eventually became the art instructor in the Mitchell school system, where he taught for over 20 Palace years. While teaching, he was asked to sketch designs for muralist the Corn Palace, a task he continued for more than 25 years.
28 1998 INDUCTEES
DR. ROBERT WAGNER GENERAL | 1932-2011 | SIOUX FALLS, SD During the early stages of Dr. Robert Wagner’s career, he provided ecumenical and community leadership in Flandreau, Watertown, and Sioux Falls. After deciding to continue his education, Robert came to respect the SDSU community and was delighted when appointed assistant professor of rural sociology in 1971. He chaired or served Distinguished on eighty-six university committees, and received five awards for outstanding teaching during these years on the professor SDSU faculty. In 1985, Robert was appointed president of & former SDSU and began a thirteen-year tenure in that position. During that time, enrollment at SDSU reached record SDSU numbers, programs were strengthened, and courses were offered across South Dakota. Robert has received president numerous awards and was named distinguished alumnus from both Augustana College and SDSU.
ANSON YEAGER ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | 1919-2005 SIOUX FALLS, SD 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 found the news career that he wanted at South Dakota’s largest daily newspaper, once saying that the Argus Leader newsroom was his window to the world. Award- He started as a reporter in 1947 and was named executive winning editor and editor of the editorial page in 1961. He directed the news staff and wrote most of the paper’s editorials, reporter & and continued as the editor of the editorial page until his retirement in 1984. He has received numerous awards editor for his work, including the South Dakota Newspaper Association’s award for Distinguished Service in 1988.
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Dr. Charles Balcer Dr. Thomas F. Malone C. John Egan Jr. Rev. Stanislaus Maudlin Richard Ekstrum Roger McKellips Alfred “Bud” Jetty Dr. Raymond Moore Sister Blanche Kribell Ben Radcliffe Helen Madsen Theodore Spaulding LuVerne Madsen Dr. Vance Thompson 2003
DR. CHARLES BALCER GENERAL | 1921–2007 | SIOUX FALLS, SD
Hailing from McGregor, Iowa, Dr. Charles Balcer earned M. A. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Iowa. A leader in South Dakota higher education for 35 years, he served as president of Augustana College from 1965 to 1980 and Distinguished Service Professor thereafter. During his presidency more than 4,500 Augustana graduates entered the work world in South Dakota and elsewhere. Other offices he held during the tenure of College his career include President of the SD Association of former Private Colleges, and first Chairman of the Planning Commission of the SD Department of Education. Dr. president Balcer has been honored by Who’s Who in America, and with Norway’s Royal Order of Saint Olaf.
30 2003 INDUCTEES
C. JOHN EGAN JR. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | 1931-2017 SIOUX FALLS, SD When South Dakotans hear John Egan’s name, they think 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 South retirement dinner and the second on his last day on the job. Dakota After two years of US Army service in counter intelligence in Tokyo, Egan returned to South Dakota and began writing Sports sports at the Argus Leader. He wore many hats during his 34-year career, including sports editor and columnist. He Writer of co-authored a syndicated radio sports show for 20 years the Year with noted sports caster Ray Scott. Egan is a member of the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame and has been honored by sports and education organizations.
RICHARD EKSTRUM GENERAL | 1932–2015 | KIMBALL, SD
Richard Ekstrum of Kimball, SD, was a prominent agricultural leader and respected spokesman on farm and ranch issues. Ekstrum was elected president of the South Dakota Farm Bureau in 1975 and served 10 two year terms – by far the longest reign in the 86-year history of the farm and ranch organization. He also served 10 years Leader in on the Board of Directors of the American Farm Bureau Federation and two years on its Executive Committee. agriculture Ekstrum was one of seven founders of the S.D. Pork Producers Council. He was named a S.D. Master Pork & respected Producer in 1962 and Pork All-American in 1972. spokesman
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ALFRED “BUD” JETTY HISTORICAL | HYDE COUNTY, SD 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. In 1991, he was elected state deputy of the Knights of Columbus and served in that volunteer position for two years. Throughout his Bridging life, Bud and his wife Frances worked to bridge the gap between different cultures. In 1992, Bud and Frances the gap were honored by Pope John Paul II when they received the Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice Award of Merit. When Bud between retired from the court system, Governor William Janklow cultures 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 PROFESSIONAL | 1920-2004 | YANKTON, SD 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 study at Sacred Heart School of Nursing from 1939 to Dedicated 1942 and became a Registered Nurse. Sister Kribell was a member of several nursing organizations, including the nurse & American Nurses Association and the National League of Nursing. In 1988, she toured medical schools in the instructor Eastern Bloc where she lectured on related topics. Sister Kribell served many years as a supervisor and clinical instructor during her more than the fifty years of nursing at the Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton.
32 2003 INDUCTEES
HELEN & LUVERNE* MADSEN PROFESSIONAL | *1931-2004 | SIOUX FALLS, SD After growing up on farms, Lou and Helen 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 manufacturing Improving of commercial refuse containers. They sold the business in 1996 and, since that time, have been committed to the lives community and philanthropy. The primary focus of the philanthropic emphasis has been youth. They provided of South the lead gifts for the Madsen House at Children’s Home Society and the Madsen Center at Augustana College. Lou Dakota and Helen also support other projects that preserve South youth Dakota’s heritage and enhance the lives of South Dakotans.
DR. THOMAS F. MALONE PROFESSIONAL | 1917-2013 | MILESVILLE, SD In WWII, Dr. Thomas Malone trained officers to provide meteorological 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 Influential sciences. Elected Foreign Secretary of the prestigious National Academy of Sciences, Dr. Malone is the recipient voice in of national and global awards and honorary degrees, including an honorary doctorate in engineering from the weather South Dakota School of Mines and Technology where he research served as president of the alumni association and a valued advisor of academic programs.
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REV. STANISLAUS MAUDLIN, OSB GENERAL | 1916-2006 | MARVIN, SD At Blue Cloud Abbey, he 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. These names honor Rev. Maudlin’s work with Native Americans. In 1937, Father Serving Stan went to Rome to study Theology, but when WWII began he was forced to return home where he continued the Native his studies in Indiana. After becoming ordained, he returned to South Dakota and became very active in the American Native communities. He helped found the Blue Cloud community Abbey in Marvin and served as pastor of St. John’s Indian Mission in Pierre. Aside from the church, Maudlin was an athletic director, counselor, summer camp director, superintendent and scout leader.
ROGER MCKELLIPS GENERAL | 1923-2017 | ALCESTOR, SD 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. He served as a leader of the South Dakota Bankers Association, as an officer in the Alcestor Chamber of Banker Commerce and various other community organizations. However, it is in politics that McKellips made a statewide & South mark. First elected to the state senate in 1976, he served as minority leader in the 1980s and led the Democratic Dakota party to its only modern majority in the 1990s. He was the politician Democratic candidate for Governor in 1978 and, in 1990, received a leadership award from the National Conference of State Legislators for a decade of guidance.
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DR. RAYMOND MOORE GENERAL | 1927-2002 | BROOKINGS, SD Ray Moore is remembered as the Director of the S.D. Agriculture Experiment Station from 1973 to 1993. The SDSU professor and forage scientist advocated the agriculture education and research to federal and state appropriations committees, the Board of Regents, citizen and community groups. Moore believed wholeheartedly Driven in the mission of the experimentation station, saying it was conducting research to enhance the quality of life in researcher South Dakota through beneficial use and development of economic, human and natural resources. The Britton & teacher native’s accomplishments include founding the SDSU Pasture Research Center and working to get the Northern Plains Biostress Laboratory built.
BEN RADCLIFFE GENERAL | 1915-2014 | HURON, SD 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. After settling in Tulare with his wife Dorothy, he took leadership of the local farmers union district in 1955 and in 1961 became president. During his tenure, the National Former Farmers Union Green Thumb program was established in 1967, the South Dakota Family Farm Act passed in South 1974, and the state constitution was amended to require Dakota single-member state senate districts in 1982. Radcliffe also served on the National Farmers Union Executive Farmers Committee, as chairman from 1978 to 1981. When he Union retired, he was honored with Meritorious Service Awards President from both the South Dakota and National Farmers Unions. 35 2003 INDUCTEES
THEODORE SPAULDING GENERAL | 1913-2002 | HURON, SD Theodore “Ted” Spaulding couldn’t find a job in the small North Dakota town where he was born and raised so, at the age of 20, he hopped on a boxcar bound for California, a journey that led to more than one job. In 1937, Spaulding joined the National Guard. His unit was activated before the declaration of war with Japan, and he was later Assistant shipped to the Philippines. He was taken Prisoner of War and survived the Bataan Death March. When released, Adjutant Spaulding returned to his active center for another eight years. In 1950, he was transferred to Huron as an army General 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 in1973, he was the assistant adjutant general for South Dakota as a brigadier general. 2008
DR. VANCE THOMPSON PROFESSIONAL | SIOUX FALLS, SD Dr. Vance Thompson has used his medical degree and eye surgery talents to help restore the vision of tens of thousands of people by 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 World from the University of South Dakota. In addition to his medical breakthroughs, Thompson advises universities, renowned symphonies, congressmen, governor, and corporate boards and churches. Each of them rely upon his sound vision judgment and strong Christian faith, but his patients’ specialist praise speaks loudest of all. Thompson’s medical practice is in Sioux Falls.
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Sue Brown Elmer Karl Thomas Daschle Evelyn Leite Gordon Fosness Dr. James Martin Rodney Fouberg Rev. Dr. Donald Messer Dr. James O. Hansen Dr. Vernon Ronald Nelson Gordon Hanson Clint Roberts Peter Hegg 2008
SUE BROWN PROFESSIONAL | SIOUX FALLS, SD
Participating in all the family’s business and civic pursuits, Sue Brown grew up with a strong sense of civic duty. After graduating cum laude with a major in political science, she served as legislative secretary to Congressman Tom Railsback (R-Ill.) in Washington, DC. A year later, she began a career with the US Department Years of of Housing and Urban Development. When her family relocated to South Dakota, she embraced her new home, dedicated professionally and philanthropically. She established a research and community development consulting community practice, and served on civic organization boards, service including the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and on numerous nonprofit boards. She has received many awards for her community service.
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THOMAS DASCHLE GENERAL | ABERDEEN, SD Thomas Daschle is a retired United States Senator and former Majority Leader, serving from 1987 to 2005. His service in Congress was defined by his long-standing commitment to constituent service. Tom understood the need to help South Dakotans with everyday problems and became one of the first members of Congress to create a Former toll-free number to make his Washington, DC office more accessible. Throughout his time in office, Tom secured U.S. tens of millions of dollars to build infrastructure to deliver clean water to residents in South Dakota. His influence in Senate Congress was widely credited for keeping Ellsworth Air Majority Force Base off the base closure list in the mid-1990s. Tom has also been a champion for Native Americans, working Leader for improvements in Indian Health Service and economic opportunities on the reservations.
GORDON FOSNESS SPORTS | PRESHO, SD As an athlete at Dakota Wesleyan, Gordie Fosness distinguished himself in football and basketball. He was one of the first collegiate basketball players in South Dakota to be drafted by the NBA when the Minneapolis Lakers selected him in 1957. Within four years of graduation, Gordie returned to DWU as the head basketball coach. Inspiring As a coach, his teams won 10 conference championships, 14 holiday tournament titles and competed in four NAIA coach & regional playoffs. In 1964, Gordie attended a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Camp at Estes Park in Colorado. As a leader result, Gordie and his wife Carol led the DWU FCA huddle and took student athletes to FCA camps for many years. He eventually became the State Director of the South Dakota FCA, where he served for 12 years.
38 2008 INDUCTEES
RODNEY FOUBERG PROFESSIONAL | LETCHER, SD Rod Fouberg began his professional career at the Sioux City Stockyard Company where he worked in the marketing and research areas from August 1960 to May 1961. In July 1967, Rod joined Security Bank and Trust Company — now Dacotah Bank — in Webster as an assistant vice president and agricultural lender. He eventually was elected chairman Banker of the board of directors and CEO of Dacotah Bank Holding Company, serving until 2008. Outside of his business with a interests, Rod can be identified with the development of the community of Aberdeen and the State of South Dakota passion for through his efforts in the areas of education; health and community wellness; and economic development. Rod has been very active in promoting education in Aberdeen, while economic service development has always been a passion of Rod’s and represents a logical extension of his banking career.
DR. JAMES O. HANSEN GENERAL | SPEARFISH, SD Dr. James O. Hansen virtually has held every position in the South Dakota scheme of education. Following service in the US Air Force, he committed to a career of service to SD public school that spanned 25 years. After teaching and serving as principal at the Philip School District, he began his role as superintendent of the Wessington School Committed District, followed by Gregory and culminated at Lake Central School District at Madison, where he successfully teacher led a massive school district reorganization process. He later served in leadership positions under Governor & school William J. Janklow and Governor George S. Mickelson. leader for Thousands of South Dakota’s children and youth have been the fortunate recipients of Dr. Hansen’s skillful leadership 25 years and vast knowledge regarding “best practices” in education.
39 2008 INDUCTEES
GORDON HANSON ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | 1929-2000 HAYTI, SD Gordon Hanson’s passion was South Dakota’s official sport: rodeo. Though he never rode in the arena, he wrote 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, Longtime quickly becoming South Dakota’s premier reporter of rodeo rodeo and the West – and one of the nation’s finest. He even gained what eludes prophets: a little hometown writer respect! Gordon also earned national recognition with a single letter: as media director for the Rodeo Cowboys & media Association (RCA), he’s widely credited, most recently by director ESPN magazine Pro Rodeo Sports News, as the man who put the “P” in PRCA.
PETER HEGG PROFESSIONAL | SIOUX FALLS, SD Peter Hegg is an entrepreneur, a rancher, a pilot, a dreamer, and more importantly, an individual whose business success has been built on trust and relationships. Hegg Companies acquired its first hospitality property through a partnership in 1979 in Sioux Falls. This started a series of acquisitions and development of hospitality properties. Real estate Peter’s interests and business ventures are diverse, and his love of flying led to his investment in Business Aviation developer Services. Peter’s entrepreneurial spirit, vision and passion for South Dakota has resulted in hundreds of new jobs & key job and millions in revenue, first-class buildings and business creator developments; and as an unofficial ambassador of the state, he sings the praises of life in South Dakota around the world.
40 2008 INDUCTEES
ELMER KARL PROFESSIONAL | GREGORY, SD Elmer Karl presently serves as President and Chairman of the Board of Karl’s TV and Appliance, Inc. and oversees the operations of 19 stores in the Midwestern states of South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and Wyoming. Elmer’s initial inventory for his first store consisted of five new radios and a used TV set he bought in Chicago. Now, Builder of 62 years later, Elmer is still appearing in ads for his family’s chain of consumer electronics, appliances and furniture a TV & stores, repeating the familiar slogan, “Your servicing dealer since 1956.” Throughout the years, Elmer has accepted appliance many honors and awards, including South Dakota Retailer empire of the Year, the Larry Blumenthal Award,the MARTA dealer award, and most recently, the American Heritage Award from the Anti-Defamation League’s National Consumer Technology Industry.
EVELYN LEITE PROFESSIONAL | FT. PIERRE, SD Evelyn Leite, MHR, LPC, is an author, counselor, and trainer with 28 years of experience in chemical dependency, addictions and mental health fields. Over the course of her career, she has been involved in many social and public programs and was appointed by Governor Kneip to help with a one-year “Future of SD” program. She was Passion an active member of NOW (National Organization of Women), the Key Note Speaker at Rhode Island National for human AA Conference and helped found an outpatient treatment program at Mankato, MN. As an author, Evelyn published a growth & book about alcoholism in addition to other books on family change issues. She incorporates feelings and compassion in her practice, seeking to provide a legacy of hope and healing to people of all cultures without regard to economic status.
41 2008 INDUCTEES
DR. JAMES MARTIN GENERAL | IGLOO, SD Dr. James E. Martin is the Executive Curator of the Museum of Geology and Professor of Geology for the SD 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 Fossil career spanning over 30 years, he had wide scientific interests, publishing on igneous intrusions in the Black researcher, Hills, vertebrates found with a Paleo-Indian mammoth kill, the oldest fossil lizard genus named in Australia, and the executive first prairie dog from west of the Rocky Mountains. During curator, & his tenure at SDSMT, Dr. Martin received certification as a Professional Geologist in Wyoming and Washington professor and by the American Institute of Professional Geologists.
REV. DR. DONALD MESSER GENERAL | KIMBALL, SD Rev. Dr. Donald E. Messer, United Methodist theologian, author, worldwide lecturer, and former college and seminary president, is known worldwide for his work to combat world hunger and HIV/AIDS. At the age of 30, Messer in 1971 was named President of Dakota Wesleyan University—the youngest college president in the Theologist, country! During his ten year tenure, he made significant contributions to DWU’s academic program, economic author & stability and campus facilities. He became an expert on how social challenges relate to the church’s mission and worldwide ministry, founding the Center for the Church and Global altruist AIDS and initiated the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund. Don works vigorously to ensure that each person he encounters has an equal opportunity to live in this world.
42 2008 INDUCTEES
DR. VERNON RONALD NELSON GENERAL | 1921-2011 | WAUBAY, SD V. Ronald Nelson, a long-time South Dakota educator, inventor and aviator, providing 50 years of loyal service to Augustana College as a professor of physics, math, and aeronautics. While at Augustana, Dr. Nelson designed and built the electronic control system for the Zip Feed Mill in Sioux Falls in 1957. He designed, built and operated Longtime the first electronic football scoreboard at Augustana, one of the first in South Dakota. He also designed the original educator, defibrillator for McKennon Hospital over a weekend in 1954. As a professor in physics, he was called upon as an inventor & accident and insurance investigator, and also assumed aviator responsibility for the Civilian Pilot Training Program. During his lifetime, V.R. has received several awards and honors, including the Augustana Founders Day award, Alumni Achievement and Friend of Augustana Awards.
CLINT ROBERTS GENERAL | 1935-2017 | PRESHO, SD Clint Roberts worked hard as a farmer and rancher in Lyman County for most of his life. He served as a state senator for three terms, and was elected to serve as Assistant Minority Leader in his second term and as President pro tempore for his third term. He was known in the state legislature as the ‘Marlboro Man’ because of his commercial shoots Rancher, for Marlboro in the early 70s. He also appeared in several Schlitz commercials and had acting roles in the films actor & Orphan Train and Duchess and Dirtwater Fox. Following his time in Pierre, he was elected as one of South Dakota’s dedicated United States Representatives in 1980. In 1988, Governor politician Mickelson appointed Clint to the position of Director of the Office of Energy Policy. There, he excelled at counseling farmers on responsible conservation practices.
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Miles Beacom Dennis Knutson Ruth Brennan Pat Lebrun Bernard Christenson Thomas Lillibridge Shirley Halleen Jerry Shoener William Janklow Charles Trimble 2013
MILES BEACOM PROFESSIONAL | SIOUX FALLS, SD
Miles Beacom’s history reveals a long-standing character of hard work and success. His career began at Citibank, where he held various management positions before being recruited by First Premier Bank in 1989. He served as a vice president, in which he was responsible for developing a credit card program. After Game- leaving briefly, he returned in 1993 to serve as CEO and President of Premier Bankcard, Inc. Under his changing leadership, the company grew from 30,000 accounts leader & to over 3.5 million accounts. Community involvement has been a critical piece of the company’s success, and community Miles has personally served his community through his advocate support of education and many nonprofit organizations.
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RUTH BRENNAN ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | SIOUX FALLS, SD
Ruth Brennan was the former Executive Director of the Rapid City Arts Council, serving from 1974 to 1998. Her first experience in the arts world began with a role as an arts columnist at the Rapid City Journal, covering everything from promotional articles to critiquing concerts and plays for 15 years. By late 1974, the Dahl Arts Center opened its First doors to the public, and Ruth’s time was mostly absorbed in learning to run an arts center. In 1991, the Rapid City Executive Arts Council received a $35,000 grant from the Bush Foundation to create a community cultural plan—the first Director of grant of this type awarded by the foundation. Ruth’s life the Rapid in the arts world stems from saying “yes” to opportunities. Each positive response brought her new directions, new City Arts friends, and new cultural roads. All were connected to strengthening cultural awareness for the public and to Council opening doors for artists in all disciplines.
BERNARD CHRISTENSON PROFESSIONAL | BRITTON, SD
Bernard Christenson, a top airplane pilot, political leader and first president of the South Dakota Community Foundation, began his career in law enforcement. Few people, outside of his fellow professionals, likely know much about the many incidents from his early career, including the two decades he spent protecting South Dakota during Law a violent era marked by drug trafficking and the American Indian Movement insurgency. In 1984 Christenson won enforcement election to the state House of Representatives from the Hughes County district. He won re-election in 1986, officer, the year that Mickelson was elected governor. In 1987, politician, Mickelson asked Christenson to head the South Dakota & pilot Community Foundation, where he served until 2004. 45 2013 INDUCTEES
SHIRLEY HALLEEN GENERAL | SIOUX FALLS, SD All her life, Shirley Halleen has possessed a love of learning and desire to help others that have made her a leader in several professions. In 1980, Shirley was elected to the SD Legislature as the only minority party representative from Sioux Falls. Following the election in 1982, she served on the Education and Appropriations Committees, Mentor for dealing with education issues in 12 Midwestern states. In 1986, she was one of 20 leaders selected to receive women in a Bush Foundation Fellowship to Harvard University for a year of graduate study. In 1990, she made state leadership history by being the first woman on the general election roles gubernatorial ticket. Since 2004, she has been one of the founders of “Lunch is Served”, a non-profit organization that provides lunches for the working poor.
WILLIAM JANKLOW GENERAL | 1939–2012 | FLANDREAU, SD William Janklow was a politician who holds the record for the longest tenure as Governor of South Dakota with 16 years in office. Before becoming Governor, he served four years as South Dakota’s attorney general. After his time in Pierre, he was elected to the US House of Representatives. During his time as governor, Bill kept his campaign promise Lasting of “putting the taxpayers first”; made state government smaller, more innovative, and more efficient; doubled state legacy aid to local schools; created and funded the state’s first comprehensive water development plan; and established on South a ‘workfare’ program that led to national welfare reform, Dakota among many other accomplishments. One thing not in doubt is Bill Janklow’s legacy, which can be expressed in politics four simple words: “He got things done.”
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DR. DENNIS D. KNUTSON PROFESSIONAL | SIOUX FALLS, SD Dr. Dennis Knutson is a dermatologist with a proven reputation for excellence. In 1966 he received the degree Doctor of Medicine with honors from the University Of Washington School Of Medicine. While there he also continued research and honed his skills in electron microscopy. During the next 32 years, Dr. Knutson Doctor maintained a busy practice, taught countless numbers of students and residents, and served as Clinical Professor with a and Chairman of the Dermatology Division for the University of South Dakota medical school. He received record of the American Academy of Dermatology’s Gold Award for excellence Original Work. In 1985, he helped establish the first free Skin Cancer Screening Clinic. He also serves on several in skin nonprofit boards and supports a number of scholarships in care both medicine and the arts.
PAT LEBRUN GENERAL | RAPID CITY, SD Pat Lebrun is president of Lebrun Investment Management, Inc., a post she has held since 1988. Prior to that, she was vice president of Simmons Financial Management, Inc. Other work experience included teaching vocal music in public schools in Northwood, ND, and Rapid City, SD, and serving as Executive Director of the Rapid City Symphony. Ardent She also has been a private music instructor. Lebrun was a member of the South Dakota Board of Regents from supporter 1987 through March 2005. She chaired presidential search committees at South Dakota School of Mines and of research Technology and Northern State University. Lebrun also & education is a member of the South Dakota 2010 Research and Commercialization Council, and has been involved with a number of nonprofits.
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THOMAS LILLIBRIDGE PROFESSIONAL | 1945–2017 | BONESTEEL, SD Tom L. Lillibridge was among the third generation of Lillibridges involved in banking, when the first branch of First Fidelity Bank (previously Burke State Bank) opened in the 1930s. Tom served as President from 1982 until 2001. While in Bonesteel Tom served as the Mayor of the City, President of the Commercial Club, and President Third of the Bonesteel Area Development Corporation where he also served as a board member. He was also the generation Treasurer of the Gregory County Pumped Storage Site Water Corporation. After relocating to Sioux Falls, Tom banker served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the & USF University of Sioux Falls. There, he and his wife Cindy established the Tom and Cindy Lillibridge Center for benefactor Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation (CELI) which provides resources to students at USF.
JERRY SHOENER GENERAL | RAPID CITY, SD Jerry J. Shoener was a politician and member of the South Dakota State Senate. He served in the United States Navy in World War II and later worked for the Rapid City Journal for more than 50 years, climbing to the role of vice president and circulation director of the newspaper during his tenure. He was a member of the South Dakota Transportation Tireless & Commission, playing a major economic development role in helping farmers get their crops to market as well as helping dedicated tourists get to the Black Hills and surrounding attractions. He also served as member and past president of a number elected of groups, including the Rapid City Civic Center Board, the public Black Hills Workshop Foundation, the Black Hills Services Corporation, the Rapid City Planning Commission, and the servant Rapid City Regional Airport Board.
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CHARLES TRIMBLE HISTORICAL | WANBLEE, SD Born and raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, Charles “Chuck” Trimble is an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. After serving in the US Army as an Infantry Operations Intelligence Specialist and obtaining a degree in journalism, Trimble obtained work with the General Dynamics Astronautics Division’s Atlas Advocate Missile Program. Later, in 1968, he began working on American Indian rights in the mayor’s office in Denver, CO. for There he became involved with the Denver Indian Times, which he converted to a full newspaper. In 1969 he was indigenous principal founder of the American Indian Press Association, rights & and served as the organization’s Executive Director until 1972, when he was elected Executive Director of the education National Congress of American Indians. In his tenure, the NCAI is credited with having effectively lobbied for a number of indigenous rights issues.
49 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.
You will be provided a password-protected Legacy of Achievement page, designed to enable you to enter text, photos, and video to expand the biography provided when you were inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame. Your new Legacy of Achievement page will start with your induction biography and portrait, but you will be able to add and edit information and media.
Inductees may share the ID and password to their page with their families and others who may help contribute text, photos, videos, and oral recordings.
HOW TO START YOUR LEGACY OF ACHIEVEMENT PAGE
1 Visit sdexcellence.org.
2 From the Programs for Excellence tab, select Legacies of Achievement.
3 Under the Account menu, select Request account.
4 Fill out and submit the form, which asks for a username and email. Under Additional Notes, ask to have a Legacy page set up. Be sure to do the simple math problem and to press the Request account button.
5 You will receive further instructions by email when your Legacy page is established.
For detailed instructions, please watch the video available at sdexcellence.org/howto.
50 Nominate a Champion HALL OF FAME NOMINATION PROCESS
The South Dakota Hall of Fame provides recognition for individuals whose accomplishments have demonstrated the meaning of excellence with a statewide impact. Anyone may nominate an individual, living or deceased, except South Dakota Hall of Fame board and staff members. Self-nomination is not permitted, but individuals being nominated are encouraged to be involved in the process. Nominees must have resided in South Dakota for a portion of their life and their achievements have significant statewide impact in the selected category.
HOW TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION
1 Complete and submit the online application Only electronic submissions will be accepted. Begin at our website, sdexcellence.org, and click Nominate a Champion to start an application.
2 Complete the application fully Carefully review the required information and complete the application fully, as incomplete applications cannot be reviewed.
3 Submit on time Online applications must be submitted by midnight MST on February 1. Please leave adequate time as late applications cannot be reviewed.
4 Selection The South Dakota Hall of Fame Board of Directors will review all timely and complete nominations. Each year, up to ten individuals whose nominating application best represents the achievement of excellence will be selected.
5 Notification Individuals selected for induction will be notified in writing. Honorees will also be announced in public press releases and on the Hall’s website.
6 Recognition Inductees receive recognition at the annual Honors Ceremony held each September, on the Hall’s website, and in various publications.
Please contact us well in advance with any questions. Call 605.234.4216, email [email protected], or mail to South Dakota Hall of Fame at 1480 S. Main St., Chamberlain, SD 57325. Be sure to include complete contact information.
51 ProgrammingSOUTH DAKOTA HALL OF FAME
Recognizing everyday excellence throughout South Dakota One Act at a Time. Submit an act by a deserving individual, group, or organization today!
Our educational program tells the inspiring stories of South Dakota’s Champions for Excellence while helping teachers fulfill curriculum requirements in core subjects with a comprehensive digital collection.
The only one-of-a-kind collection of South Dakota Champions. Visit our website to get to know the over 700 Inductees through video, audio, interactive games, and photos.
Our Visitor & Education Center in Chamberlain, South Dakota is an inspiration of interactive and hands-on exhibits highlighting the Champions and our state’s excellence. Open year round.
Each year, up to ten outstanding South Dakotans are inducted into the Hall of Fame for their achievements that inspire our youth, lead the generations and build our future.
1480 S. MAIN, CHAMBERLAIN, SD 57325 SDEXCELLENCE.ORG | [email protected] | 605.234.4216