TRIBUTE | Former South Dakota House Speaker Harvey Krautschun lived life head-on
Guest column by Rep. Scott Odenbach, House Majority Leader
Editor’s note: Former House Speaker Harvey Krautschun of Spearfish served in the South Dakota House of Representatives from 1985 to 1996. He was 76.
On Jan. 1, 2026, I lost my campaign chairman, Harvey Krautschun. I also lost a mentor, friend and “political father.” South Dakota lost a political and business giant, a former Speaker of the House (1995-1996) and friend to many. His family lost a treasured father and grandfather.
As an attorney, I was fortunate to have worked on a number of projects in cooperation with Harvey and his partner Tamara Burke and their excellent team at Financial Benefits, Inc. in Spearfish over the years. Through them, I met many clients who often became friends. Our roundtable “family huddle” discussions at Harvey’s office were some of the best times in my professional career.
As a State Representative, I’ve also been blessed to know Harvey. If South Dakota had our own version of Teddy Roosevelt, it would be Harvey Krautschun. One day in February 2020, Harvey called to discuss the state of the Republican primary election for the South Dakota House seat, and to encourage me to get in the race. Or, if you know Harvey, the encouragement was a short discussion followed by: “Odenbach, you’re running!” I said, “Kraut, give me 24 hours and I’ll let you know.”
The next day I called him and said I’ll make you a deal: I’ll do it if you’ll be my campaign chairman. He agreed and the rest is history. I have no doubt that having Harvey in my corner made a big, big difference. When I won that first election, he gave me two main pieces of advice: Stay humble and always remember, this seat belongs to the people, not to me.
With Harvey, most things were crystal clear, particularly his love for wife Joy that transcended her death in 2013, his love for his family and taking great pride in his grandchildren, and his love for the U.S. Marines, the United States of America, the Black Hills, political conservatism, firearms, beef and the Green Bay Packers.
And of course, Black Hills State University: Newcomers may see “the Joy Center” while driving St. Joe Street by the campus in Spearfish and think it’s a nod to the emotion. We all should know it means Joy Krautschun, and all that their connection to BHSU has meant to so many people over the years. When returning punts on the BHSU football team, Harvey was known for putting his head down and plowing through defenders. He lived life the same way.
I rejoice in the fact that Harvey loved Jesus and is reunited with Joy. You could sense it at all times, the ache he carried in his heart from missing her. On many occasions as I’d be leaving, he told me, “Give your wife a hug.” He meant: “Never take her for granted because life is short.”
Harvey suffered greatly battling illness these past few years. Yet every time we’d visit, he’d find a way to make conversation and find something to laugh about.
Caring about friends. Standing up for what’s right. Laughing in the face of adversity. Carrying on no matter what.
Semper Fi, Kraut!
Scott Odenbach
Rep. Scott Odenbach is a Republican lawmaker from Spearfish representing District 31. He is Majority Leader in the state House.
Well said. They don’t come any better than Harvey
What a great tribute!