SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Rep. Richard Vasgaard died following a farming accident on Wednesday, August 27.
Vasgaard, 75, was confirmed to have died by a statement issued by the South Dakota Speaker of the House Jon Hansen.
Hansen, as well as other South Dakota leaders, issued condolences to Vasgaard’s family.
“I was honored to serve alongside Rep. Richard Vasgaard,” said South Dakota Speaker of the House Jon Hansen in the press release. “Richard brought humility, wisdom, and a steady voice to our House chamber. His service was marked by an unwavering dedication to the citizens he represented, and to the agriculture industry he and his family worked in. My family and I extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Joyce, as well as all of his family and friends. He will be missed.”
“I’ve had the privilege of being both represented by and serving alongside Richard during his time in the Legislature,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Karla Lems. “While the experience and steady perspective he brought to Pierre will be missed, it is an irreplaceable loss to District 16 and his Turner County community. We join many others in lifting the Vasgaard family in prayer.”
Lems was also Vasgaard’s district mate.
“Richard was liked and respected by everybody,” said House Majority Leader Scott Odenbach in the press release. “His love for farming and for South Dakota was as strong as anybody I’ve ever seen. He will truly be missed.”
Dusty Johnson also issued a statement regarding Vasgaard’s passing.
“Richard Vasgaard was a friend, a dedicated public servant, and a great South Dakotan. My prayers are with Joyce and his family during this difficult time,” Johnson said in a statement.
Vasgaard is survived by his wife and two children. More information, including funeral announcements, are pending.
