FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 18, 2026

Contact: Josie Harms

Gov. Rhoden Mourns Loss of Denny Sanford

PIERRE, S.D. –  Today, Governor Larry Rhoden mourned the loss of businessman and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford.

“It is with great sadness that Sandy and I mourn the loss of T. Denny – a man who has so generously and intentionally invested in the great state of South Dakota,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “His contributions will not be forgotten, and South Dakota will forever be impacted by his legacy. Put simply, he was the greatest philanthropist in South Dakota history.”

Sanford gave billions to charitable causes in South Dakota, including:

• Sanford Health, with donations exceeding $1 billion that transformed healthcare delivery throughout the state;
• Sanford Underground Laboratory in Lead, a major state asset in science and education that would not have been possible without Sanford’s support;
• The Build Dakota Scholarships and the Premier/Freedom Scholarship, two significant scholarship programs that have transformed the lives of thousands of young people;
• Sioux Falls Development Corporation, which will make possible the relocation of Smithfield and the redevelopment of the former site; and
• Children’s Home Society of South Dakota, to which Sanford is the largest donor.

“Denny Sanford was a significant donor to practically every charitable campaign in Sioux Falls, and many others throughout the state,” said Lt. Governor Tony Venhuizen. “Beyond his high-profile gifts, Denny was a key reason that Sioux Falls has such a strong culture of philanthropy, and many important community improvements benefited from his support.”

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