In Memoriam
and Colleen had three children, Steven (Candace) of Minnetonka, Minnesota; Susan of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Michael (Cathy) of Rapid City, South Dakota, of whom they were incredibly proud. The family placed a significant value on education; that Richard Wayne Sabers same education was one of the greatest gifts Dick February 12, 1938 and Colleen gave their children. Steven and Michael January 12, 2022 joined their father as graduates of St. John’s University, while Susan chose the rival school of University of St. Richard (Dick) Wayne Sabers was Thomas. Dick watched his oldest attend Mayo Medical born in Salem, South Dakota, School and his two youngest attend the University of on February 12, 1938. Dick passed away on January South Dakota School of Law. Steven practices medicine 12, 2022, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at the age in the Twin Cities. Susan shared her father’s interest in of 83. He was one of nine siblings born to Emil and the judicial branch and currently serves as a Circuit Elrena (Godfrey) Sabers. He graduated from Salem St. Court Judge in Sioux Falls. Michael is an attorney Mary’s High School in 1956 and enrolled at St. John’s practicing in Rapid City. Dick was incredibly proud of University in Collegeville, Minnesota. At St. John’s, his children’s accomplishments. His children produced he played first base for, and served as captain of, the six grandchildren: Connor and Annika Sabers; Quinn baseball team. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree and Zachary Dunham; and Morgan and Emily Sabers, from St. John’s in 1960 and went on to serve as a First about whom Dick also loved to brag. and Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Corps of Engineers, stationed primarily in Europe. Dick also After Colleen’s untimely death in 1998, Dick was lucky served as a First Lieutenant and later as a Captain in the enough to fall in love again. He married Ellie (Lammers) United States Army Reserve from 1963-69. Schmitz in June of 2000. Ellie brought her three children to the family: Jason (Cindy) of Vermillion; Joseph Following his service with the Corps of Engineers, (Marcia) of Sioux Falls; and Ann of Omaha, Nebraska, Dick enrolled in law school at the University of South along with an additional six grandchildren. Dick and Dakota School of Law. He received his Juris Doctorate Ellie made their home in Sioux Falls and wintered in from the University in 1966. After law school, Dick Arizona. entered private practice at the Sioux Falls law firm of Moore, Rasmussen, Sabers and Kading. He maintained Dick had many wonderful friends and family with a very active trial practice until March 1, 1986, when whom he remained close over the years. He took great Governor Janklow appointed him to serve on the South pleasure in reading and traveling and was always ready Dakota Supreme Court. to share stories of his adventures. He loved baseball, tennis, biking, woodcarving, O’Gorman football, and Dick served on the Court for more than twenty years the Chicago Cubs. He spent summers at his cabin at Lake and was retained by the voters during the 1990, 1998, Madison with his family, friends, and favorite sailboat. and 2006 general elections. He was one of the longest He will be greatly missed by many, both personally and serving Justices in the Court’s history. He loved his work professionally. with the Court, and it was his honor to serve the State of South Dakota in that role. He retired on December The family wishes to thank the staff of Dougherty 31, 2008. During his distinguished legal career, Justice Hospice House for their compassionate care during Sabers was awarded the Fred Nichol Award for Dick’s final days. Outstanding Jurist in 2007 by the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association, and the Marshall M. McKusick In lieu of flowers the family kindly asks that memorials Award for Outstanding Member of the South Dakota be direct to The University of South Dakota School of State Bar Association in 2008. Law Foundation or St. John’s University. Dick married Colleen (Kelley) Sabers in August of 1965. They were happily married for 33 years. Dick
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