Former SD Governor Harvey Wollman dies at age 87

HURON, S.D. (AP) — Harvey Wollman, the last Democratic governor of South Dakota, has died 45 years after serving as the state’s leader. He was 87. Wollman’s son, Mike, told The Associated Press that his father died of natural causes Tuesday at a hospital in Huron.

Harvey Wollman had a short stint as governor. He was serving as South Dakota’s lieutenant governor in 1978 when Gov. Richard Kneip was appointed U.S. ambassador to Singapore. Wollman’s gubernatorial term lasted only five months because he had already been defeated in the 1978 Democratic primary election by Roger McKellips prior to assuming office. Republican Bill Janklow went on to defeat McKellips for governor in the 1978 general election, starting the run of GOP control.

Wollman was a key Democratic figure in the South Dakota Senate. He was elected to three consecutive terms and served as both majority leader and minority leader.

Governor Kristi Noem announced that flags will be at half-staff from sunrise until sundown statewide, effective immediately, in honor of former Governor Harvey Wollman. Flags will remain at half-staff until the day of Governor Wollman’s interment, which will be announced later.

October 20, 2022