David J Vickers

David J. Vickers, 81, of Sioux Falls, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2024, surrounded by family and the compassionate care of Dougherty Hospice House. 

Dave was born in Sioux Falls in 1942 to the late Archie R. Vickers and Bernadette A. Vickers. He graduated from Cathedral High School (Class of 1960), Loras College, and Creighton University School of Law. He married Ruth A. Landsberger (Hazelton, ND) in 1970, and together they built their lives around their family, friends, and community.

Dave was a partner at the Sioux Falls law firm of Boyce, Murphy, McDowell and Greenfield for 33 years. He appeared frequently before the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation in Worker’s Compensation cases, and represented clients in numerous Circuit Courts cases, in the South Dakota Supreme Court, and in the United States District Court. At home, he was a role model to his daughters in ethical behavior, humility, and personal and professional integrity.  

Dave dedicated time in service to others. Among his varied volunteer activities, he provided legal assistance to Sioux Vocational Services and to St. Michael Cemetery, and served on the Cathedral All-School Reunion Committee, and the Christ the King Parish Council.

Although a quiet and introspective person, Dave could raise the volume when cheering for his favorite sports teams, playing card games with his grandchildren, and laughing with his wife and daughters. He especially enjoyed being part of “Camp Seimershine,” a group of men from the Midwest and East Coast who gathered annually at a Minnesota lake cabin for fishing and fun.   Dave attended consistently for 40 years, building lasting friendships and memories. More recently, he enjoyed reconnecting with longtime friends for intellectually stimulating conversations and debates over lunch.   

Dave is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth, his daughter, Kristin and her daughters Anna and Claire (of Rochester, MN), his daughter Kerri, her son Elliot, and husband Alan (of St. Paul, MN), his sister, Mary Susan (of Reston, VA.), and his cousin, Carolyn Hobson (of Sioux Falls). 

We sincerely thank the many family members, friends, and health care providers who significantly contributed to Dave’s quality of life. Special thanks to Dr. Paul Olson, Pam Oppold, RN, and the entire team at Avera Heart Hospital who provided decades of advanced specialty care delivered within a compassionate, healing relationship.   

Memorials may be directed to the Children's Home Shelter for Family Safety (formerly Children's Inn) the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House or Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Christ the King Catholic Church on Monday, May 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon to follow. Family will be present one hour before the service for visitation. Private family burial will take place at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery.