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This week in South Dakota history: Aug. 16-22

Karl Mundt. Photo: Library of Congress

South Dakota paid its respects to one of its most prolific sons half a century ago.

Funeral services were held for U.S. Sen. Karl Mundt on Aug. 21, 1974, according to the Rapid City Journal.

South Dakota Congressman Ellis Yarnal Berry delivered the Humboldt native’s eulogy, saying of his longtime friend: “No man has sprung from South Dakota soil to reach such heights. For 25 years he was an advisor to presidents. … Karl was an excellent example of American greatness.”

Born in 1900, Mundt’s early career was in education, teaching and coaching in Bryant before becoming superintendent. Later, Mundt became a professor at Eastern State Normal School (now Dakota State University) in Madison.

Mundt resigned from his Madison teaching position on Jan. 8, 1936, two days before he announced his candidacy for Congress, according to the Rapid City Journal.

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