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Roger McKellips
1923 - 2017
Roger McKellips
1923 - 2017
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Roger McKellips Obituary
Roger McKellips was born January 26, 1923 to parents, E.F. (Mac) McKellips and Amy (Cook) McKellips in Alcester, SD. He died August 18, 2017 at Dow Rummel Village, Sioux Falls, SD. He graduated from Alcester High School in 1941 and was a proud member of the 1941 State "B" basketball championship team. He attended Morningside College for one year, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served in India and China during WWII. On April 23, 1943, he married Wilma Linduski of Sioux City, IA.
During his service years, their first daughter, Sherran was born. After returning from the war, he moved the family to Lawrence, KS, where he attended the University of Kansas, graduating with a business degree in 1948. During their time in KS, two more daughters, Kathryn and Beverly, were born.
Following graduation, the family moved to Alcester, SD where Roger began his banking career, joining his father at the State Bank of Alcester. In 1952, his son, Gary, was born. Roger was an enthusiastic supporter of agriculture and economic development causes, and was instrumental in helping many farmers and businesses get started. He led the formation of numerous local non-profit organizations to provide for a nursing home, residential developments, apartments, and the Alcester Community Foundation. Roger was also a dedicated public servant, serving 6 terms in the SD Legislature, both as Senate Minority and Majority Leader. Roger was the Democratic candidate for Governor in 1978. No job was too big or too small for him to undertake, from inspiring the SD Legislature to fly to Washington DC on behalf of agriculture during the Ag Recession of the 1980's to collecting cans every week for the Alcester Lions. Roger was a charter member of the Alcester Lions Club and a life-long member of the United Church of Christ. His banking career lasted 60 years and he was inducted into the SD Hall of Fame in 2003.
Roger had a fiercely competitive nature and loved bowling, golf, playing pinochle with the guys at Ron's Farm Supply, hunting, fishing and traveling. He and Wilma enjoyed years of world travel. His children and grandchildren will be forever blessed by his love for family, sense of humor, and work ethic. In 2008, Roger and Wilma moved to Dow Rummel Village in Sioux Falls, although they never lost their love for Alcester. The family would like to thank Dow Rummel staff and Pastor Tim Worthington for their excellent care.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Phyllis Purdy; daughter, Kathy Solberg; and grandson, Brian Sommervold. He is survived by his wife, Wilma, of 74 years; children, Sherran (Merlyn) Sommervold, Chancellor, SD, Beverly Livingston, Sioux Falls, SD and Gary (Deb) McKellips, Alcester, SD; son-in-law, Wendell Solberg, Alcester, SD; 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM Saturday, August 26 at the Alcester Elementary School Auditorium. Burial will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Alcester, SD. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 PM Friday, August 25 at the United Church of Christ in Alcester, SD with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Alcester Community Foundation at PO Box 524, Alcester, SD 57001.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Steve Prescott
February 3, 2018
I first met Roger in 1970 when I was calling on banks for my grandfather's municipal bond business. For some reason Roger and I hit it off right away and he became one of my best and best liked customers. He once told me to make sure that I made a decent profit on one of his purchases. Can you beat that, he was worried more about me than his own pecuniary interests. There aren't enough nice things to say about this man who placed so much trust in me. Roger, thank you so much.
LaNice Hansen/Archer
August 28, 2017
Roger considered the people that kept their money in his bank his responsibility. He took care of them. I was 16 when my Dad was killed in an accident. Like most families of that time, the Dad took care of the finances. He guided my Mom through the legalities, taxes etc. He was a man that made a difference his whole life. We should only hope any of us can say the same.
Frank & Joanie Kloucek &Family
August 26, 2017
Senator Roger Mckellips Man of the People.
Our Deepest sympathy to you Wilma and your family: Following is a tribute to him.
No matter what the odds RogerMckellips never gave up. He was the person that sponsored the legislation time after time to take the state legislators to Washington DC to lobby congress and the president on the farm crisis. He pushed very hard for it and finally got his way. 6000 farmers descending on Pierre helped convince the Governor that Senator Mckellips and his colleagues were right.
One of his lifetime goals was to be majority leader and oh what a great leader he was. His soft spoken kindness to others will never be forgotten. Along with Pam Nelson and others majority leader Mckellips made sure every bill in the Senate had a fair hearing. It was used by his loyal opposition as a means to weaken his efforts. Unfortunately some of their bills were put in to consume the time of the legislature. Hearings went on into the wee hours of the morning on many legislative days. No matter, Roger Mckellips word was his bond.
I had the rare opportunity to join Roger Mckellips, George Shannard and several other legislators in the basement of the Kings Inn for supper on numerous occasions. Discussions were held and always Roger Mckellips remained a gentleman; true to his word and true to his high principals and standards. 1993 and 1994 were good years for Roger Mckellips yet sad with the loss of another person who was a gentleman, Gov. George Mickelson. Roger Mckellips always took the high road as a legislator and a person even during difficult times.
One of Senator Mckellips lifetime goals was to ban smoking in public places. He did see it accomplished after he retired from the legislature. He continued to support it until it became law. He never gave up.
On a lighter note one of the best reflections of Roger is his card playing and coffee hour excursions in Alcester [at the feed store and cafe]. Always the gentleman he took his victories and losses at cards like he did in the legislature and in his life -with dignity respect and as a gentleman.
It was a great honor to give a tribute and plaque to Senator Mckellips when he returned to visit the legislature. Also it was a privilege to have the opportunity to visit Roger and Wilma at Dow Rummel Village last year and at Alcester in the past. Thank you Wilma, Sherran, Beverly, Gary and the entire Mckellips family for the sacrifices you made to share a man of vision and purpose with the people of South Dakota. He has made South Dakota and its people a better place.
Frank and Joanie Kloucek and family
Scotland South Dakota
State Legislator 1991 -2012
Terry Bellonger
August 25, 2017
Friends and Relatives of Roger: My sincerest condolences on the passing of your loved one. I had the privilege of being Kathy and Wendell Solberg's Carpenter, on several projects. Cherish your memories and comfort one another..knowing Roger's Earthly work was complete. Til you meet again..Beyond the Sunset.
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John Jackson
August 24, 2017
Roger was always a friend to business and looked up to by my late father (Bob Jackson) . He was exactly what a banker should be. Prayers to the family. John M. Jackson
Joanne Moberg Hatton
August 23, 2017
I remember how welcome I felt when I lived in their home during my sophomore & Junior years of high school. I will never forget them.
Roger , Wilma and family I love you!!
Roger will be greatly missed.
Terry C. Anderson
August 23, 2017
It was a true honor to work for Roger during his service in the South Dakota Legislature. His wisdom, humor and civility were real assets to the legislative institution. He was a great example of the Citizen Legislator.
August 23, 2017
I certainly enjoyed working for Roger during his legislative career. He is an example of the type of citizen legislator that is so valuable to the institution. His wisdom, humor and support were tremendous.
Wendy Stubbs
August 23, 2017
The town of Alcester will forever be better due to his work and commitment to community! Thank YOU Roger for all you did! You were a great banker, humanitarian, politician and I am sure a great family man! My sympathies to the family!
Lowell Hansen
August 23, 2017
I first came to know Roger standing in front of the 4H building at the Fair in Sioux Falls. We were shaking hands and doing all the things folks do when running for state wide office, and Roger was so kind and gracious to me. My experience with Roger then moved to the State Senate where Roger was the Minority Leader. A real statesman in every sense of the word, always the gentlemen and always concerned about the needs and wishes of the people of our State. I can honestly say that I never met a more kind or compassionate person than Roger McKellips. I was Blessed to have known
him, and to be able to call him my friend.
Rich Garry
August 22, 2017
Roger was an incredible man who earned the respect of all who knew him. I had the pleasure and honor of working with him when he was in the Legislature and I was in state government. He was a true statesman who always looked for the best way to help all South Dakotans. He was a great mentor and would have been an honest and productive governor. I am better for having known him.
Deborah Ripperda
August 21, 2017
Bev, I know your father was special...because you are. I know you will miss him...hang on to the Memories. Love Deb A.
Evy Schneider
August 21, 2017
The Thormodsgaard family north of Alcester thought a lot of Roger having banked there during all their farming years. I even got a small business loan from him around 1977. Sympathies and love to the family.
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410 Broad St, Alcester, SD 57001
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