Daniel Sandven

Daniel Alexander “Dan” Sandven was born May 6, 1934, in DeSmet, S.D., to Daniel D. and Gretchen (Casberg) Sandven of Carthage, S.D.

He was baptized  May 6, 1934, at West Bethany Lutheran near DeSmet. Daniel attended a country school near Letcher, S.D., and graduated high school at Carthage in 1952.  He enlisted in the United States Army from 1952-54.

Dan worked for the United States Postal Service in San Rafael, Calif., and Boeing in Seattle, Wash. He furthered his education by attending Southern State Teachers’ College in Springfield, S.D., and graduated in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in English education.

While attending college Dan met Lucile Anderson and they married Aug. 21, 1960. He taught English at Hayti, S.D., from 1962-65. They moved to Fairmont, Minn., in August 1965 and stayed there through May 1992 teaching high school English and building trades. 

After he retired in June 1992, they moved to Hill City, S.D. Dan sang in many church choirs, the barbershop chorus and the Zinter Chorale.

Dan died Feb. 4, 2020, at Monument Health Home and Hospice House in Rapid City, S.D. He was 85.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Darrell; and sisters, Gretchen and Mary Beth.

Dan is survived by his wife, Lucile Sandven of Hill City; sons, Steven Sandven and Darrin (Nicki) Sandven, both of Hill City; daughters, Michele Sandven of Rapid City, S.D., and Shirlene (Julius) Allgier of Baltic, S.D.; sister, Karen Lorenz of Idaho; brother-in-law, Emil Jares of Colorado Springs, Colo.; sister-in-law, Rena Sandven of Portsmouth, N.H.; grandchildren, Shaylynn, Mandan, Melissa, Taylor, Carter, Spencer, Wyatt, Kierstin and Sophia; and one great-granddaughter, Brynleigh.

Services were Feb. 10 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Custer, S.D. Committal services followed at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, S.D.

A memorial has been established to benefit Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 744 Harney St., Custer, SD 57730.