Remembering 1996 Inductee & Former Board Chair Louis Sebert
The South Dakota Hall of Fame extends our condolences to the family and friends of 1996 Inductee and former Board Chair, Louis Sebert, who passed peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, July 27th, 2025. Louis (Lou) Sebert was a devoted public servant, successful businessman, and deeply committed community leader whose impact was felt across Mitchell, South Dakota, and beyond. His life was marked by service to his country, his church, his family, and the many organizations and causes he championed with unwavering dedication.
Louis (Lou) Sebert was born in Java, SD. He attended a rural one-room Spring Lake School and graduated from Bowdle High School. He volunteered for the draft and spent two years in the US Army. He graduated with an accounting certificate from the Aberdeen School of Commerce, and after moving to Mitchell, SD, he took many courses at Dakota Wesleyan University.
His work experience started with Rabenberg's Inc., a John Deere Dealership in Selby, SD. He also managed their dealership in McLaughlin, SD. He moved to Mitchell, SD, and worked at and bought shares in Dakota Mfg. Co. He then became the manager of Dakota Pump Inc. and, over a period of years, became the full owner, doing business throughout the United States and some foreign countries. Lou and Carol sold Dakota Pump Inc. to three of their sons in 2001. Lou had a mind for mechanical things and sensed a need to identify and solve issues.
Although managing and owning his own business left Lou Sebert with little time on his hands, he still always found time to contribute and take a leadership role in his community. He was chairman of the following organizations: The Mitchell Jaycees, Mitchell Elks Lodge, Mitchell Jr. Achievement, Mitchell Area Adjustment Training Center Foundation, Mitchell Area Development Corp., and St. Joseph (now Avera Queen of Peace Hospital), of which he served as chairman during the consolidation with the Methodist hospital. He also chaired Mitchell United Way, Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce, Holy Spirit School Board, and Mitchell Area Manufacturers, of which he was a founding member and first chairman. Other community organizations of which he was a member included Holy Spirit Parish Council, Knights of Columbus, Avera Queen of Peace Foundation Board, Mitchell Exchange Club, Church Advisory Board at Dakota Wesleyan University, Mitchell Moose Lodge, Mitchell Area Adjustment Center Board, Mitchell Lions Club, and Mitchell's planning-for-the-future Vision 2000 and Focus 2020 committees. He also served as Mayor of Mitchell for six years (2006–2012).
Lou not only served his community at the local level, but he and his wife also served on the Catholic Family Services Board for the Diocese of Sioux Falls. Lou and Carol, with others, managed the Search program four times a year at Mount Marty College for 15 years, involving 130 young people each Search. Lou was a member and Secretary of the South Dakota Manufacturers Association for many years. He served on the South Dakota Hall of Fame Board, also serving as chairman. Lou served in the South Dakota House of Representatives for eight years (1999 to 2006). Committees included Health & Human Services, Agriculture, Judicial, Retirement Laws, and Commerce, which he chaired for two years. He also served on the State 911 Board and the State Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training Commission.
Lou held dear his wife Carol, their six children, thirteen grandchildren, and countless friends. He promoted family activities over the years, including the Boy Scouts, making 11 years of 50-mile canoe and hiking trips, softball leagues, youth football, serving as Santa Claus at the Elks Lodge for many years, and teaching religious classes. He also served as lector and lay minister for Holy Spirit Church.
Throughout it all, Lou kept his eye on the challenges, not the rewards, of which he had many. He was most proud of being inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 1996 and being named 1995 Governor's Volunteer of the Year by Governor Janklow. His humble dedication to service remained steadfast, as did his sincere appreciation for life and its simple pleasures. His saying was, “All it takes to be happy is rest, work, play, and don't forget your God.”
Find information regarding Louis’s services, and read his obituary here.