Gov. Rhoden enlists retired Marine ahead of prison vote

John Shubeck appointed to District 16 seat after former Rep. Richard Vasgaard killed in farm accident

Gov. Larry Rhoden on Wednesday appointed John Shubeck to represent District 16 in the South Dakota House of Representatives, filling the seat formerly held by the late Rep. Richard Vasgaard.

“John embodies the core values of not only South Dakota, but also of late Rep. Vasgaard,” Rhoden said in a statement. “He has lived a life of service and hard work as a veteran, a coach, a church elder, and a Turner County farmer. I trust he will carry on his proud legacy of service in this new role.”

Shubeck, of Beresford, served 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and received the Bronze Star, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and Combat Action Ribbon. He also manages a diversified farm producing grain and livestock, planted a church in Centerville, and has led the Centerville Middle and High School track team to several state meets as head coach.

“It is truly humbling to follow in the footsteps of Rep. Richard Vasgaard who took so much time throughout his life to impact his community and District 16 one person at a time, myself included,” Shubeck said. “I will continue his legacy of putting the people of District 16 first in the same humble and hardworking manner that he did.”

Vasgaard was considered a strong voice for the agriculture industry. He died in a farming accident on Aug. 27.

The appointment of Shubeck comes one week before the Legislature is scheduled to convene for a special session in Pierre. Lawmakers are being asked to consider spending $650 million on a new men’s prison in Sioux Falls.

That proposal is the product of a task force recommendation. Rhoden formed the task force after lawmakers rejected an $825 million men’s prison in Lincoln County that had been put forward by former Gov. Kristi Noem.

Shubeck lives in Beresford with his wife and their four children.