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Roland Chicoine Obituary
Former legislator Roland A. Chicoine, 93, of Elk Point, South Dakota, passed away on Thursday, May 19, 2016, at Welcov Assisted Living in Elk Point, South Dakota.
A rosary will be held Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at 4:45 p.m., with visitation from 5:00-7:00 and a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Jefferson. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 25, 2016, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Jefferson with Father Joseph Vogel officiating. Burial will take place immediately following the service at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery.
Roland was born December 10, 1922, to Elmire and Louise (Ryan) Chicoine in rural Jefferson, SD. He graduated from Jefferson High School and attended South Dakota State College in Brookings on track and 4-H scholarships until the war interrupted his education.
He married Evelyn M. Lyle on June 18, 1945 in Elk Point. Roland and Evelyn farmed between Elk Point and Jefferson and were very active in service to their communities and church, locally and regionally. They have been lifelong supporters of education, not only for their children as a means to achieve self-improvement, but also encouraging all young people to reach their full potential for the enrichment of society as a whole. In 1987, the Roland Chicoine family was recognized as the South Dakota State University Family of the Year for their dedication to higher education and SDSU.
As a farm leader in his community, he was active in the Livestock and Crop Improvement Associations. He organized the South Dakota Irrigators' Association, serving as the first state president, and lobbied for the SDIA at the State Capitol. He was president of the Farm Advisory Board for the Omaha Federal Land Bank. In addition, he was Chairman of the South Dakota Water Congress and a Director of the Union County Farmer's Home Administration. He helped organize the local Lion's Club in Elk Point, and was a founding member of the Elk Point Country Club and golf course. As a tribute to his contributions to agriculture and the rural communities, he was honored as an Eminent Farmer by SDSU in 1998.
Roland was a 4-H leader for 35 years, serving at both the county and state levels. He worked with the SDSU Cooperative Extension Service to solve problems faced by South Dakota grain and livestock farmers.
He served in the South Dakota State Legislature for 20 years from 1980 to 2000, serving on the Appropriations Committee for many of those years. He was well respected among his peers as a skilled negotiator who was always focused on making decisions in the best interest of the people of the state. During that time, he helped establish the Tri-State Legislators' Conference as a forum for South Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska legislators to solve Siouxland area problems.
Roland was a life-long member of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Jefferson. He was one of the charter members of the local Knights of Columbus chapter.
He is survived by his children, Jeffrey (Chris), Lake Forest, IL; David (Marcia), Brookings, SD; Marcia (Pat) Quinn, Scottsdale, AZ; Dan (Penny), Glenwood Springs, CO; Tim (Shannon), St. Marys, IA; Brian (Terri), Elk Point, SD; Ellen (Bryan) Little, Fair Oaks, CA; and Nicole (Joe) Klein, White, SD; 25 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one brother, Eldred (Bev), Canon City, CO; three sisters-in-law, Fern Chicoine, Elk Point, SD; Rita Lyle Barnett, Brookings, SD; and Arlene Lyle (Dick) Wells, Bellevue, NE; and one brother-in-law Phil (Chris) Lyle, Littleton, CO.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn; grandson, Jason; and siblings, Bernice, Donald, Doris, and Francis.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to the Roland Chicoine Memorial Scholarship, Elk-Point Educational Foundation, 402 S. Douglas, Elk Point, SD 57025 or the Roland Chicoine Scholarship in Athletics, SDSU Foundation, Box 525, Brookings, SD 57007.
The Kober Funeral Home of Elk Point has been entrusted with the services.
Condolences may be posted online to www.koberfuneralhomecom
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roland Chicoine
Sponsored by Kober Funeral Home - Elk Point.
6 Entries
chicoine Noel
May 25, 2016
Roland and Evelyn were lifelong friends as well as close cousins of my father Daryl and mom Rose. We were only about 4 miles apart and I remember sharing haying equipment and other tools as they both farmed and irrigated in Union County. Through our family's hardest times, they were always there for us as friends and confidants. I remember the wonderful visits as he served in Pierre, and gently correcting his fans as they mentioned that they had "met my father, Rolie," long after Daryl had died. Rolland and dad were both active developing and building the golf course and swimming pool, and they shared a dream of the community's future. Roland's legacy will live long after him. Teresa and I will miss him but know he is with friends and family and his big smile and laugh are lighting up heaven. He once again is re-united with the love of his life. Our prayers and condolences are with all the children and cousins.
Vickie Ganschow-Munce
May 25, 2016
Danny, So sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. I remember your family as being so kind and very involved in community and church. I hope you remember this classmate of yours (Vickie Ganschow) , as it's been a LONG time since I've seen you. Would like to keep in contact with you - hopefully you're on Facebook. Will keep you and your family in our prayers during this difficult time.
May 23, 2016
David, I was so sorry to hear of your dad's death. I met and came to know him during the first four years of my legislative service, when he was an old hand and I was a green newcomer. He was always kind, friendly, and good to work with, and I was pleased to call him a friend. He was so proud when you were named President at SDSU.
Please know Linda and I will be thinking of you and hoping for only good things for you in the days ahead. Dennis and Linda Daugaard
Steve & Julie Statz
May 23, 2016
David and Marcia - so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Cherish your memories of him always.
Dave Hyink
May 23, 2016
Heartfelt sympathies to Marcia and Pat, and the entire Chicoine family. Your father was a true South Dakota legend and an example for all to follow.
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