In Memoriam: Inductees We Said Goodbye to in 2024
Over the last 50 years, the South Dakota Hall of Fame has proudly inducted 792 individuals whose remarkable contributions have helped shape South Dakota into the extraordinary state we cherish today. The legacies of these inductees are profound and enduring, serving as a guiding light to inspire future generations of leaders in South Dakota.
This is the power of a legacy—it continues to motivate and influence others long after we are gone. Today we reflect on the lives of extraordinary individuals inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame who are no longer with us. They lived lives of purpose and distinction, embodying excellence in all they did. We are honored to celebrate their lasting impact and share their inspiring stories with you here.
Inductees Who Passed in 2024
John Barlow
1933-2024 | 2016 Inductee
Dr. John Barlow’s achievements include scientist, scholar, and teacher. He displays humility in his career achievements and has positively impacted medicine across the state. In 1965, he joined the Laboratory of Clinical Medicine at SDSU. His influence helped create a regional reference laboratory; the nucleus of the Sioux Valley Hospital Pathology department, and provided oversight for both the two-year and four-year Medical Schools, developing Sioux Valley Hospital into a regional clinical leader. In 1985, while practicing Pathology, he became Chairman of the Board for the institution in Rapid City, leading it into the Integrated Medical System for Western South Dakota.
Dave Geisler
1937-2024 | 2004 Inductee
Dave Geisler, a pioneering force in tourism dubbed "Your friend by the side of the road," embodied a relentless drive for progress. From launching a bicycle shop at the age of nine, to steering the Murdo Motor Company to exponential growth, his journey epitomized entrepreneurial spirit. At age 26, he became the youngest Ford Dealer in the Twin Cities District. Passionate about preserving automotive heritage, Dave catalyzed the expansion of the Pioneer Auto Show and Museum. Geisler was a longtime advocate for tourism in the state, but especially in the Black Hills area. Recognized with the Ben Black Elk Award, Dave was a tireless champion of South Dakota tourism.
Paul Gnirk
1937-2024 | 2022 Inductee
Dr. Paul Gnirk was a founding member of RESPEC, Inc. and its president from 1969 to 1991. RESPEC is a global leader in geoscience, engineering, data, and integrated technology solutions for major industry sectors. Starting with two employees, the company is now working on some of South Dakota’s most challenging problems, including creating a model for managing flooding along the Big Sioux River from Watertown to Sioux Falls and Sioux City. For more than two decades Dr. Gnirk served as a South Dakota Board of Water and Natural Resources member, where he used his geological expertise to creatively extend drinking water to communities and ranches. He provided employment for many Ph.D. engineers and scientists and advocated scholarship opportunities for students. A former SDSM&T Alumni President, Dr. Gnirk was awarded the university’s March Medal which exemplifies a caring spirit for students.
Tim Johnson
1946-2024 | 2019 Inductee
Tim Johnson received degrees from the University of South Dakota and entered politics in 1977. He served in the South Dakota House and Senate before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Tim went on to work tirelessly in Congress for South Dakota’s needs. Known for his dedication to South Dakota, he fought for water projects, Ellsworth Air Force Base, and Native American rights. Despite a health setback in 2006, he returned to the Senate, serving until 2014. Not seeking reelection, he retired to enjoy time with his family. Johnson's bipartisan approach and dedication earned him the Lakota name Wacante Ognake, meaning "Has a heart for many people."
Raymond Peterson
1945-2024 | 2018
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, directed countless musicals for both State University Theatre and Prairie Repertory Theatre, and more. Perhaps Ray’s favorite involvement and most notable state-wide contribution came as a direct result of an invitation to serve as a vocalist for the 1966 Miss South Dakota Pageant in Hot Springs – an invitation that led to a 52-year commitment to the Miss America-franchised organization as Producer and Production Director, earning him the nickname, Mr. South Dakota.
Lyle Schroeder
1934-2024 | 1994 Inductee
Lyle Schroeder, with over 35 years at Sioux Valley Hospital (SVH), began in housekeeping and rose to president/CEO in 1961. SVH received numerous top honors during Schroeder’s reign. As Forward Sioux Falls general chairman, he led a $1.8M fundraising effort in 78 days, contributing to Sioux Falls' #1 ranking by Money Magazine in 1992. Named "Sioux Falls Business Citizen of the Year" by the Chamber of Commerce, Schroeder attributed SVH's success to its board, medical staff, and employees. He championed the not-for-profit hospital model, prioritizing community and patient welfare.
Bev Warne
1939-2024 | 2022 Inductee
Throughout a giving career spanning more than twenty dependable positions, Bev Warne consistently held increasing roles of responsibility in several South Dakota establishments. Bev was recognized locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally as a leader in the advancement of the ever-expanding nursing profession. She continues to be an advocate and mentor and was employed at South Dakota State University (SDSU) College of Nursing as an instructor/mentor/coordinator of the Native American Nursing Education Center in Rapid City. The center’s goal is to increase and diversify the nursing workforce in South Dakota. She worked to prepare advanced practice nurses at the professional doctorate level, focused on preventative care in rural, underserved, and Indigenous populations.