David Volk

Dates

Obituary

David Volk, 79, of Mitchell, SD, passed away Friday, July 17, 2026, at Veterans Affairs Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Private burial was held at Servicemen’s Memorial Cemetery in Mitchell.

David Lawrence Volk was born April 12, 1947, in Mitchell, SD, to Erwin and Joan Volk. He graduated from Norte Dame High School in Mitchell and attended college at Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. While at Northern State, he served as Congressman Ben Reifel’s Field Representative. Following graduation from NSU, he was immediately drafted into the US Army. He served two years in the military, including a year in Vietnam as a combat photographer with the 101st Airborne Division. During his service, he documented the realities of war while serving alongside fellow soldiers in challenging and often dangerous conditions. For his dedication and service, Volk received the Army Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star.

Following his military service, Volk returned home and embarked on a remarkable career in public service. At just 25 years old, he ran for South Dakota State Treasurer and won, becoming the youngest person in state history elected to a statewide office. Voters would return him to the position four more times, entrusting him with the responsibility for managing the state's finances for nearly two decades.
During his tenure as state treasurer, Volk also helped establish the National Association of State Treasurers and was elected its first president, again demonstrating leadership that extended well beyond South Dakota's borders. His work helped strengthen collaboration among state financial officers across the nation and elevated South Dakota's role in shaping public finance policy.

In 1994, Volk was appointed secretary of the South Dakota Department of Commerce and Regulation by Governor Bill Janklow. He served in that cabinet-level position until 2002, helping guide economic development, business regulation, and financial oversight during a period of growth and change for the state.

Volk was deeply committed to serving others. He was appointed by the Reagan Administration as chairman of the Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program for South Dakota, where he helped establish outreach efforts for veterans struggling with the challenges of returning home from war. His dedication to veterans continued through his involvement with the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans, where he was a lifelong member.

Volk's commitment to community service was equally impressive. Through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, he spent 13 years mentoring his "little brother," Drake. He also served for two decades on the South Dakota Advisory Committee to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and continued his public service as chairman of the South Dakota Human Rights Commission and as a member of the South Dakota Funeral Board. He was a strong advocate for the national Equal Rights Amendment for women, stem cell research, and volunteered for a suicide hotline.

In addition to his accomplishments in government and community service, Volk built a successful career as an author. Drawing from his experiences in Vietnam, he wrote “Draftee: A High School Teacher Goes to War”, a memoir chronicling his military service. He also authored “My Grandpa's War”, a children's book designed to help younger generations understand the experiences of those who served during wartime. Working alongside his close friend Mark Meierhenry, Volk co-authored a series of children's books that combine education and adventure, including “Mystery of the Round Rocks”, “Mystery of the Tree Rings”, “Mystery of the Pheasants” and “Mystery of the Maize”. Two of the books earned national recognition, receiving Bronze and Silver Medals from the Independent Book Publishers Association. His most recent work was “Fearless Felix”, a story of a bomb-sniffing German shepherd that also highlights the extraordinary contributions of service dogs throughout history.

Whether serving his country overseas, leading at the highest levels of state government, mentoring young people, advocating for veterans, or sharing stories through the written word, Volk consistently demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of others. His life and career reflected the values of leadership, service, and lifelong learning.

Volk is survived by the love of his life, Rebecca Carmody, and brothers Craig, Kevin and Curtis.

As per David’s wishes, a kick-ass celebration of his life will be held at a future date.

Cemetery