Barbara Telkamp

Barbara Gail Donnelly Telkamp passed away in Brookings, SD on June 19, 2025. A memorial service for Barbara will take place at 11:00am on July 3, 2025 at First Lutheran Church in Brookings, SD. A visitation will take place prior to the service from 10:00am to 11:00am.
Barbara was born January 6, 1934, to Richard J Donnelly and Doris (Lynum) Donnelly in Sioux Falls, SD. She graduated in 1952 from Washington High School and earned an Associate Degree in Secretarial Science from South Dakota State College in 1954. She was employed in the office of John Morrell upon graduation.
Barbara married Roger Ernest Telkamp on November 14, 1954, in Sioux Falls, and lived on a farm south of Brookings SD, as a homemaker. She was employed several years as the Medary Township assessor and then part time in the County Director of Equalization office. Through the years she was an active member and officer in several organizations, including Sioux River Sues Extension Club, University Week for Women advisory board, the League of Women Voters, a 4H leader and member of the SD State Extension Board representing Brookings County. Barbara was the first woman member and chair of the Brookings County Planning Board.
Barbara was elected and served 12 years as a Brookings County Commissioner. During that time she also served as chair of the Sioux Valley Commissioners District, SE Regional Detention Authority, and the South Dakota Association of County Commissioners. She served 2 years as the first woman to chair the Brookings County Commission. As a commissioner she served on the governing boards of ADVANCE, Brookings Domestic Abuse Shelter, East Central Mental Health Center, Multiplex Board and ICAP (Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership) among others.
Barbara was named SD Volunteer of the Year in 1996 for work setting up the Juvenile Holdover site in Brookings and work in the regional effort to consolidate shelter and detention for juveniles. She served as a Board Member of the Community Development Corporation of First Bank and Trust. Barbara was a member of the State Emergency Response Commission, the Local Emergency Planning Commission, and Citizens Emergency Response Team as well as the Event Center Board of Directors. She was honored to be named an Eminent Homemaker in 2010 by SDSU.
Barbara was a member of First Lutheran Church and served on the council, boards, and First Lutheran Church Women. Upon retirement, she helped form the Le Chapeau Rouge Red Hat Group and joined the Brookings Activity Center. She enjoyed reading, sewing, community service activities, and being with friends and family. She and Roger moved to Brookings in 2018 to accommodate his failing health and her failing eyesight, however, she never lost her passion for local government and kept a close eye on what they were doing.
Preceding her in death were her parents, brother Richard F. Donnelly, husband Roger E. Telkamp and one grandson Alexander Telkamp.
She is survived by daughter Cynthia (Bill) Jamison of Fargo, ND, sons Ryan (JoEllen) Telkamp of Torrance, CA, and Larry (Marta) Telkamp of Britton, SD., brother Michael Jon Donnelly of Sioux Falls, and Sister-in-Law Elizabeth Ann Donnelly of Longmont, CO. She enjoyed 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
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