Deceased SD lawmakers remembered in ceremony

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - The South Dakota Legislature has honored 11 former state lawmakers who died in the past year.

Members of the House and Senate on Thursday held a memorial service for their deceased colleagues. The Legislature holds the service each year.

Those honored and their chamber and years of service: Elmer Diedtrich of Aberdeen, House 1989-1992 and 1999-2000, Senate 2001-2002; Jay Duenwald of Hoven, House 1997-2001, Senate 2003-2008; Derald Gellhaus of Yankton, House 1975-1976; Donald Haggar of Sioux Falls, House 1959-1960; John Heilman of Miller, House 1953-1954; Ralph Homan of Mt. Vernon, House 1983-1986; Stanley Johnson of Mitchell, House 1968-1976; Patricia Kenner of Rapid City, House 1975-1978; Gil Koetzle of Sioux Falls, House 1993-2000, Senate 2001-2008; Alice Kundert of Mound City, House 1991-1994; John Sears of Rapid City House 1985-1996.