Flags at Half-Staff at State Capitol in Honor of Elmer Bietz
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden ordered that flags be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol from sunrise until sunset on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in honor of former state legislator Elmer Bietz. He served in the South Dakota Senate from 1983 to 1992.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am CT on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at First American Lutheran Church in Tripp, SD.
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Elmer was a respected legislators, very pro education, who was positioning to run for Governor when he overlooked an odd opponent. He was Frank Kloucek’s first big name victim
Elmer was a very good legislator
Who can fill me in on the PUC race? I need to know who’s out of office and how long till all three are out of office.
Yes, Elmer was a solid legislator and a good man.
I was fortunate and blessed to have campaigned alongside Elmer and I saw firsthand what loyalty, statesmanship, love of country, state,family and neighbors looks like. His wife was with him and I know his awesome family and close friends will miss a legend.
I got to watch Senator Bietz in action when I was a legislative intern and then was fortunate to know him a little better later on in life. A wonderful family man who cared deeply about the greater rural and ag community of South Dakota. Engaged and very supportive of ways to add value to our commodities and build better sustainable lives in rural communities.
Elmer was a well-liked and highly-respected legislator from my home town of Tripp. His entire family was a class act.