‘A true champion’: Black Hills remembers Kevin Forrester, 58
Late mayor had resigned from Sturgis city post two weeks before succumbing to pancreatic cancer on Easter Sunday
The loss of a longtime public servant has the Black Hills mourning.
Former Sturgis Mayor Kevin Forrester and longtime veteran of county government died Sunday at the age of 58, just two weeks after he resigned his municipal post due to effects of pancreatic cancer.
His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the region, including a proclamation by the Meade County Commission recognizing the long-time civic leader.
“Kevin Forrester’s commitment, integrity and contributions have left a lasting impact on colleagues, the organization and the community,” Meade County Commission Chairman Gary Deering wrote in a proclamation ordering flags in the county be flown at half-staff in honor of Forrester’s 28 years of service to the county. “His years of service reflect not only professional excellence but also a deep sense of responsibility and pride in his work. He will be remembered with respect, gratitude and honor.”
Passing on Easter Sunday, Forrester was a lifelong Sturgis resident, and joined municipal government in 2021 as a member of the city council. He became mayor in October 2024.
Meade County officials on Monday ordered all flags on county property to be flown at half-staff in his honor.
Flags will remain at half-staff through the day following Forrester’s memorial service, which had not been announced as of Tuesday morning.
Community members and local leaders have also shared personal reflections on Forrester’s legacy.
Collin Duprel, a Vale rancher and Rapid City Post columnist who’s become an emerging voice in the Black Hills, described Forrester as a principled leader and devoted public servant.
“Sturgis Mayor Kevin Forrester was a man who I held the utmost respect for. He was a fighter, had strong principles and convictions, and never once quit caring about people at every level around him,” Duprel wrote in a social media post. “He was funny, friendly, and made any person he met feel like they were important.
“When Kevin died on Easter, our community as a whole suffered a loss. Kevin could have led Sturgis for years- likely into prosperity, if not for fate having other plans,” he continued. “Kevin believed in his community, and I hope that our community can honor him by coming together more than we have in the past to work to solve future issues.”
Friend Mike Kahler also reflected on Forrester’s impact.
“There are some people that you will never forget throughout your life. Kevin Forrester you are an inspiration to all of us. A true champion,” Kahler wrote on Facebook. “Thanks for showing us what grit was all about. You were one of a kind.”
The city of Sturgis plans to honor Forrester with a dedicated day on June 10, coinciding with the first Music on Main event of the summer.
Forrester’s March 24 resignation left a vacancy in the mayor’s office just weeks ahead of a scheduled election.
The Sturgis City Council on Monday opted not to appoint an interim mayor for the roughly two-month period before a special election, according to the Post. Instead, the council will continue under its current structure, with Council President Tony Dargatz serving as mayor pro tempore.
Under state law, council members could have appointed a temporary mayor or continued with the existing leadership arrangement. Council members determined that appointing a short-term replacement was not practicable.
Dargatz will remain in the role until voters select a new mayor in the June 2 election.
