March Inductees of the Week
Every week we feature an Inductee of the week at the South Dakota Hall of Fame. These inductees are as unique as the State of South Dakota itself, and they have made lasting impacts by chasing their dreams. Here are some of the Inductees featured in the month of March.
Joe Kirby
1993 Inductee 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. Born in 1863, Kirby attended grade school in the Lawler area. Since there was no high school available in the area, he and some acquaintances used the grade school facilities to further their education in the evenings. After that, Joe borrowed books from lawyers in neighboring towns and eventually passed the bar examination. At the time, it was not necessary to attend law school or even a college to practice law; the only requirement was the test. Kirby established the Western Surety Company in 1900. Today, Western Surety Company is operating in all 50 states and services over 40,000 independent insurance agencies. To learn more about this Inductee, visit his legacy page here.
Craig Lloyd
2015 Inductee, Craig Lloyd was diagnosed with dyslexia and severe optical challenges at the age of 5. Perhaps it was seeing things a bit differently that instilled drive in him, helped him see challenges as opportunities, strengthened his commitment to service, and formed his perspective on the importance of building long-standing relationships. What began with the management of 100 apartment units in 1972 has grown exponentially to include a portfolio of nearly 4,000 apartment units and 1.5 million square feet of commercial space. Lloyd Companies’ construction division just recently experienced a series of record-breaking years with over $50 million worth of construction value being completed annually. While Craig’s creativity, vision, tenacity, and resilience has led to Lloyd Companies being considered a market leader in eastern South Dakota; it has especially helped drive the commercial real estate and development divisions. To learn more about this Inductee, visit his legacy page here.
Norm McKie
After 2 years in the U.S. Army, graduating with a masters from SDSU, and 5 years spent as a teacher, Norm gave up the teaching profession and entered into a partnership with his brother, Rodney, which became McKie International Harvester and Chevrolet in Sturgis. In 1979, McKie International Harvester and Chevrolet were sold to the Hersruds of Lemmon, South Dakota. Soon, Frontier Ford of Rapid City, S.D. was purchased and renamed McKie Ford. Later they purchased Oldsmobile, Cadillac, and GMC Truck renaming it Gold Key. They also owned Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and Saab known as the Import Store. Other businesses owned were Rapid Lube, ABRA Body Shop, and Avis Car Rentals in Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Casper, Wyoming, and Cody, Wyoming. Among Norm’s many contributions include Ellsworth Air Force Base Military Affairs Committee serving as Honorary Munitions Commander, 28th Munitions Squadron, 1985-2000, furnishing many cars for visiting dignitaries. Also, he has been a charter contributor to Ellsworth Air Force Base Air and Space Museum. To learn more about this Inductee, visit his legacy page here.
Milton Mutch
2014 Inductee Dr. Milton Mutch can claim an impressive list of professional and philanthropic achievements. Perhaps the achievement that shines most brightly and has consistently made a difference to so many families, is the celebration of life that happened every time he delivered a baby. In 1959 Mutch became one of the first physicians with formal obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) training to practice in South Dakota, and he has since delivered nearly 10,000 babies. Anyone who has worked with—or near—Mutch can only marvel at the many areas of his involvement. In addition to fulfilling his family responsibilities to his wife, Ruby, and four children, he found time for leadership positions in other aspects of medicine and health care, his church and his community. Mutch has been recognized for his distinguished service with the 1988 Pioneer Award from the South Dakota Perinatal Association, the 1997 Sioux Valley Hospital Foundation Community Health Service Award and the 2000 South Dakota Medical Association Community Service Award.. To learn more about this Inductee, visit their legacy page here.
Dick Muth
Dick was born in Mitchell South Dakota to parents who taught him the importance of hard work and dedication. After serving in the Vietnam War, Dick returned home in 1968, attended Mitchell Technical Institute and met his wife Darlene. Dick graduated from MTI and in July 1970 they started Muth Electric. It wasn’t long and Muth Electric evolved from wiring homes to bigger commercial and industrial jobs. Dick is licensed in seven states in the Midwest. Muth Electric performs work in all of these states. Dick credits most of his success to great employees. From the beginning, his theory was to hire the best people you can find, treat them well, get out of the way and let them do their job. He has always believed that giving great service to customers is important to a successful business. This has proved well over the years as some customers have been doing business with Muth Electric for over 35 years. To learn more about this Inductee, visit their legacy page here.