The new year brings the sad news that former House Speaker Harvey Krautschun of Spearfish has died, age 76. Krautschun, who owned a financial benefits and insurance business, was a graduate of Black Hills State University and a veterans of the United States Marine Corps.
Krautschun represented Lawrence County in the State House for 12 years, from 1985 to 1996. He was speaker pro tempore in 1993 and 1994, and Speaker of the House during his final term in 1995 and 1996.
Krautschun made a brief return to politics in 2002, when he was designated by gubernatorial candidate Steve Kirby as his running mate. It is unusual, but not unprecedented, for a candidate for governor to pick a running mate during the primary. Krautschun undoubtedly boosted Kirby’s candidacy – Lawrence County went for Kirby – but Mike Rounds won an upset victory in the hard-fought primary.
In the years since, Krautschun remained an active member of the Spearfish community and is fondly remembered for his legislative service. His obituary and funeral arrangements are posted here.
Finally, I would share an excellent remembrance of Krautschun by House Majority Leader Scott Odenbach, who holds the State House seat Krautschun once held representing Lawrence County:
On January 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 and friend to many. His family lost a treasured father and grandfather.
As an attorney I was fortunate over the years 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. Through them and their referrals, I found many new clients who often became friends. Our round table “family huddle” discussions with estate planning clients 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 “Remember, this seat belongs to the people, not to you.”
With Harvey, a few things (most things) were crystal clear: His love for his wife Joy that transcended her death in 2013, his love for his family, including great pride in his grandchildren, and his love for the U.S. Marines, the USA, the Black Hills, the conservative cause, firearms, beef, 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 has something to do with “joy.” They need to 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 your friends. Standing up for what’s right. Laughing in the face of adversity. Carrying on no matter what.
Semper Fi Kraut!
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