Louis Sebert

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Obituary

Louis Sebert, 89, of Mitchell, SD, died peacefully in his sleep Sunday, July 27th, 2025, at Avera Brady Health and Rehab in Mitchell. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 31, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Mitchell, with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 1, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Graveside services will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Mitchell. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

A live stream of Lou’s Funeral Mass can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/@MitchellCatholicParishes/streams

Louis (Lou) Sebert was born in Java, SD. He attended a rural, one-room Spring Lake School and graduated from Bowdle High School in 1953. Following this, he volunteered for the draft and spent two years in the US Army. He graduated with a certificate in accounting from the Aberdeen School of Commerce. After moving to Mitchell, SD, he took numerous courses at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Lou married Carol Spindler on July 8th, 1961, in Hoven, SD.  After they were married, they lived in Selby, SD. It was here that they started their family - Laurie, Bob, and Bill were all born. A quick two years later, the couple picked up and moved to McLaughlin, where their late son, Joseph, was born.  Years later, the couple relocated for their last time to Mitchell, SD, where their remaining children, Jeanne, Jenni, and Jim, were born.

All his life, Lou had a mind for mechanical things and sensed a need to identify and solve issues. His work experience started with Rabenberg's Inc., a John Deere Dealership in Selby, SD. He also managed their dealership in McLaughlin, SD. Once moving to Mitchell, SD, he worked at Dakota Manufacturing Company. He later transitioned to become the manager of Dakota Pump Inc. Over the course of several years, he and Carol became co-owners of the company, along with Jim and Donna Bauer, conducting business throughout the United States and in some foreign countries. All these accomplishments led to his induction into the business category of the 1996 South Dakota Hall of Fame. He later served as a chairman on the South Dakota Hall of Fame board.

Although managing and owning his own business left Lou with little free time, he still always made it a priority to hold a leadership role in his community. Throughout his life, he served as chairman of the following organizations: Mitchell Elks Lodge, Life Quest, Mitchell Area Development Corp., St. Joseph Hospital (now Avera Queen of Peace Hospital), Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce, Holy Spirit School Board, and Mitchell Area Manufacturers Association. Community organizations that he took part in included Holy Spirit Parish Council, Knights of Columbus, Avera Queen of Peace Foundation Board, Mitchell Exchange Club, Mitchell Moose Lodge, Mitchell Life Quest Foundation Board, Mitchell Lions Club, Mitchell's planning for the future Vision 2000, Focus 2020 committees and the Boy Scouts of America. Additionally, Lou served in the State Legislature from 1999-2006, and then as the mayor of Mitchell for six years (2006-2012). This involvement, along with his strong sense of family pride, are among his most proud accomplishments.

Lou not only served his community at the local level, but he and his wife also served on the Catholic Family Services board for the diocese of Sioux Falls. Lou and Carol, with others, managed the Search for Christian Maturity Program at Mount Marty College. This was a retreat-style weekend activity that held over 130 youth participants per search weekend. To this day, they continue to meet people who remind them of the positive impact they had on their lives. It’s volunteer work like this that led Lou to receive the 1995 Governor's Volunteer of the Year award from Governor Janklow.

He has promoted family activities over the years, including the Boy Scouts, which involved 11 years of 50-mile canoe and hiking trips, softball leagues, youth football, and Santa Claus appearances at the Elks Lodge for many years. Additionally, he taught religious classes. He also served as a Lay Minister for the Holy Spirit church.

Known by friends, family, and even strangers, Lou had a deep compassion for those who could not care for themselves. He was never one to pass by someone in need without first offering his assistance. Whether he showed this by changing a flat tire on a cold night or giving a stranded traveler a ride, he had an uncanny way of showing up just when someone needed a hand.

Lou’s family often joked that he was the unofficial “guardian of the highway,” but behind every story was a man who genuinely believed in looking out for others. He taught us that kindness doesn't need an invitation—just action.

Lou holds dear his wife Carol, their seven children, nineteen grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and countless friends.

He is survived by his wife, Carol, of 64 years; daughter, Laurie (Jay) Hamar of Custer, SD; son, Bob (Julie) Sebert of Mitchell, SD; son, Bill (Jane) Sebert of Mitchell, SD; daughter, Jeanne (Derek) Mann of Rapid City, SD; daughter, Jennifer Glovich of Sioux Falls, SD; and son Jim (Kim) Sebert of Mitchell, SD. His grandchildren include: Ty Hamar (fiancé Lexi), Corey (Catie Brown) Ditter, Megan, Hannah, and Sarah Sebert, Taylor (Austin) Koerner, Maggie and Katy Sebert, Dalton and Ethan Mann, Leah, Jacob (Natalie), and Andrew Glovich, Kobi Lutjens, and Joe Sebert, along with one great-grandchild, Owen Koerner. Lou is also survived by his sister, Fran Birkholt; brother, Ray (Jane) Sebert; and sister-in-law, Rita Sebert.

He was preceded in death by his infant son, Joseph; father and mother, George and Maria (Kosters) Sebert; brothers, Leo (Judy), Albert, Art (Melcina), Leonard (Ramona), and George (Charlotte); sister, Dorothy Berreth (Richard); and brother-in-law, Frank Birkholt.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to LifeQuest Foundation, Mitchell Catholic Foundation, or Dakota Wesleyan TeamMakers.

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