Victor H. Minnotte

Vic Minnotte, 77, of Sioux Falls, passed away on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Avera Dougherty Hospice after a long struggle with dementia.

Vic was born on August 8, 1947, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Victor H. Minnotte and Elizabeth Carrothers Minnotte. He graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School in 1966 and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Metropolitan State College in Denver, Colorado, in 1977. In 1981, Vic earned a Master of Arts degree from Webster College in St. Louis, Missouri.

Vic entered active military service in the United States Air Force in 1967 and was honorably discharged in 1970. He was stationed at RAF Lakenheath in England. He returned to active-duty Air Force service in 1972 and was again honorably discharged in 1974. Vic also served in both the U.S. Army National Guard and the U.S. Air National Guard, ultimately attaining the rank of Major. In 1986, while serving with the South Dakota Air National Guard, he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for Outstanding Achievement as Officer in Charge of Disaster Preparedness, recognizing his exemplary leadership and professional skill. Vic’s total military service spanned more than 30 years.

In civilian life, Vic was employed by and retired from the Federal Investigative Service/Defense Investigative Service after 28 years of federal service. During that time, he received multiple commendations for his leadership. Following retirement, Vic enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved nothing more than family gatherings, good conversation—often over a cup of coffee—and sharing life with those he loved.

In 1984, Vic married Karen Walth Buechler in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This marriage was blessed with one child, Ben Minnotte. In 1987, the family moved from Sioux Falls to Chicago. In 1991, they relocated to Denver, Colorado, which remained home for 30 years. In 2018, the family returned to Sioux Falls.

Vic is survived by his wife, Karen; his son, Ben; and two sons from a previous marriage, Mario Montoya (Rick Minnotte) of Denver, Colorado, and David Minnotte of Greenwood Village, Colorado. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Madison Minnotte.

Services will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 4800 S. Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD.  Family will be present a half hour before the service for visitation.  After the service Vic's family invites you to lunch before interment at the South Dakota State Veteran's Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers please direct memorials in Vic's honor to the SD Veteran's Cemetery Fund.