The South Dakota House of Representatives meets on Feb. 6, 2025, at the Capitol in Pierre. (Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight)
The governor appointed John Shubeck of Beresford to the South Dakota House of Representatives on Wednesday, filling a seat left vacated by the death of Rep. Richard Vasgaard, a Republican from Centerville.
Vasgaard, a farmer, died last month at age 75. He represented District 16, which includes Lincoln, Turner and Union counties.
Governor Larry Rhoden said in a press release that Shubeck, a Republican veteran, farmer, church leader and coach, shares Vasgaard’s values.
“I trust he will carry on his proud legacy of service in this new role,” Rhoden said.
Shubeck and his wife have four kids. He served in the Marine Corps for 20 years, earning a Bronze Star, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and Combat Action Ribbon. He manages a grain and livestock farm and has coached the Centerville middle and high school track teams.
The appointment, effective immediately, comes six days before a special legislative session to consider Rhoden’s $650 million proposal to build a new prison in northeast Sioux Falls that would replace the oldest parts of the state penitentiary.