Former South Dakota Lawmaker Lars Herseth Dies at 80

Lars Herseth, an 80-year-old former South Dakota lawmaker and agriculture advocate, passed away at home on September 12 due to cancer. He spent his entire life farming and ranching in rural Brown County, northeastern South Dakota.

Herseth served in the state House of Representatives from 1975-1986 and in the Senate from 1989-1996, representing Brown and Marshall counties. His legacy as a statesman and problem solver will be greatly missed, according to the South Dakota Democratic Party.

He also received the South Dakota Corn Growers Association's Excellence in Agriculture Award and served as president of the American Coalition for Ethanol. Herseth was known for his advocacy on various issues, including women's rights and Native American issues, as well as same-sex marriage recognition.