South Dakota legislator killed in farming accident remembered as man of faith, service
Gov. Rhoden, state leaders mourn death of Rep. Richard Vasgaard
Condolences from across South Dakota poured in Thursday after Rep. Richard Vasgaard, a Turner County farmer and legislator, was killed in a farming accident at his rural Centerville shop.
“Richard Vasgaard was a friend, a dedicated public servant, and a great South Dakotan,” Rep. Dusty Johnson said. “My prayers are with Joyce and his family during this difficult time.”
Public officials, colleagues in the state Legislature and friends offered their sympathies to the 75-year-old’s family while remembering Vasgaard as a man of faith and public service.
“Rep. Vasgaard was an honorable, God-fearing man who served our state with unwavering commitment,” Gov. Larry Rhoden said in a statement provided to The Dakota Scout. “Sandy and I are devastated by his loss. He left a lasting impact on South Dakota, and his leadership will be deeply missed. We will continue to keep the Vasgaard family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Vasgaard first joined the South Dakota House of Representatives in 2021, representing District 17 for a two-year term. After a hiatus, he returned in 2025 as part of the newly drawn District 16 delegation. During his tenure, he served on committees overseeing commerce and energy, agriculture and natural resources, and transportation.
House colleagues described him as a dedicated lawmaker and friend.
“Richard was kind to everyone and always had a smile ready,” said Rep. Taylor Rehfeldt, who developed a close relationship with Vasgaard and his wife Joyce during their time serving together in the State House. “He was my agriculture go-to, full of insight and wisdom, and he served with true integrity always putting his district and South Dakota first. More than a dedicated legislator, he was a good friend, and I will miss him deeply. A statement alone doesn’t do justice to the man he was. My heart goes out to Joyce, also a dear friend, and their family during this difficult time.”
House Majority Leader Scott Odenbach said Vasgaard’s passion was evident both in Pierre and at home.
“Richard was liked and respected by everybody,” Odenbach said. “His love for farming and for South Dakota was as strong as anybody I’ve ever seen. He will truly be missed.”
House Speaker Jon Hansen echoed those remarks, calling Vasgaard’s service a gift to the state.
“Richard was a good man who was truly liked and respected by all who knew him,” Hansen said. “Our state is better because of his service. We are all very saddened by his loss and our hearts and prayers are with his family.”
Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen, who served in the Legislature with Vasgaard before being tapped as Rhoden’s No. 2 in February, said Vasgaard epitomized what it meant to be a public servant in South Dakota.
“South Dakota’s citizen legislature works because of leaders like Richard Vasgaard. He was a good legislator and a very good man. Please keep his wife, Joyce, and their family in your prayers,” Venhuizen said.
Lawmakers across the aisle also honored Vasgaard’s legacy.
“Rep. Vasgaard was a public servant and friend who cared deeply about his district and our state,” said Assistant Senate Minority Leader Jamie Smith, a Sioux Falls Democrat. “I'll miss having him in Pierre.”
A lifelong Turner County resident, Vasgaard graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in agronomy and carried on his family’s long farming tradition on the land where he died as a result of injuries sustained while working on equipment.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce, and their two children.
