PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) — One of the more engaging justices of the modern South Dakota Supreme Court has passed away.
Robert A. “Bob” Amundson, died on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at Ava’s House Hospice in Sioux Falls. He was 86 years old.
His death was noted by the Supreme Court’s current chief justice.
“The South Dakota judiciary mourns the loss of retired Supreme Court Justice Robert Amundson, whose profound contributions to our state’s legal system will not be forgotten,” Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen said in an official statement.
“Justice Amundson was a steadfast advocate for fairness and justice, embodying the highest principles of the judiciary during his years of service,” Chief Justice Jensen continued. “His wisdom, humility, and unwavering dedication leave an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire us all. On behalf of the judiciary, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Then-Governor George S. Mickelson in 1987 appointed Amundson, a Sioux Falls native, as a South Dakota circuit judge. In 1991, Governor Mickelson chose Amundson for a seat on the South Dakota Supreme Court.
Robert A. Miller was the Supreme Court’s chief justice at that time. Miller praised Amundson in on Thursday evening.
“He and I were friends since high school. I was surprised and saddened in learning of his passing. He was an excellent justice and a brilliant and trusted colleague on the Supreme Court,” Miller told KELOLAND News.
“As chief justice I could always rely on his opinion and support when dealing with administrative matters. After we moved back to Sioux Falls in 2021, we would periodically get together and talk about the old times,” Miller continued. “I will miss him.”
Amundson served 11 years on the Supreme Court, stepping down in 2002. He announced that summer that he would retire the following October 15. He was 64.
“Having been a member of the South Dakota judiciary for 15-plus years has truly been challenging and rewarding,” Amundson said at the time. “I was fortunate to have been given the privilege to serve the citizens of South Dakota as a trial judge and as a justice of the Supreme Court.”
Then-Governor Bill Janklow chose Circuit Judge Judith Meierhenry to succeed Amundson. She was the high court’s first female justice.
Greg Sattizahn, the current state courts administrator, remembered working for the court system while Amundson was one of the five justices, describing Amundson as a “really great guy.”
Robert A. “Bob” Amundson was born in Sioux Falls on July 12, 1938. He graduated from Sioux Falls Washington High School in 1956, received his undergraduate degree from Augustana College in Sioux Falls in 1961, and was a 1964 graduate of the University of South Dakota Law School.
He then served as a state assistant attorney general from 1965 to 1969, was South Dakota securities commissioner from 1971 to 1974, and had private law practices in Lead and Belle Fourche.
He married Katherine Ann Larson on August 7, 1965, and they had four children.
Augustana University honored Amundson with an alumni achievement award in 2011. Dave Munson, a long-time state legislator who was later elected as mayor of Sioux Falls, wrote a letter of nomination.
“As an institution, Augustana has succeeded in graduating students with not just a high level of education, but a deep understanding of Christian values and the need to serve others. Augustana is a place that rewards honesty, loyalty and integrity. I can think of few people who embody the vision and mission of Augustana as completely and thoroughly as Robert Amundson,” Munson stated. “He is most deserving of your prestigious honor.”
Another letter of nomination came from Frank Brost, who was chief of staff in the administrations of Mickelson and, after the 1993 plane crash that killed Mickelson and seven others, Governor Walter Dale Miller.
Brost wrote, “Bob Amundson has had a very distinguished career in the legal profession in the state of South Dakota as evidenced by the body of work he has performed for the people of South Dakota. He has made major sacrifices by pursuing public service employment while many have enriched themselves in the private sector. I can’t imagine anyone more worthy of this award than Bob Amundson.”
