Dave Hepper was honored today in a ceremony to dedicate a street in Milbank’s new industrial park. The street is named after Hepper in recognition of his longtime involvement in Milbank’s civic organizations and projects. Hepper’s family and South Dakota Senator John Thune also attended the commemoration of Hepper Street.
Traci Stein, executive director of the Grant County Development Corporation (GCDC), said Hepper was chosen for the distinction because, “He is a true servant leader. He has volunteered his time and his talents throughout our community.”
Hepper has been engaged in the improvement of Milbank for nearly three decades. He served on the board of the GCDC for 23 years – 14 of those years as its treasurer. He served as the president of Kiwanis and the Lions Club, and he was a member of the ag committee for the Milbank Area Chamber of Commerce. Hepper volunteered to be a Junior Achievement classroom assistant. He also worked on committees, served as the president of his church council, and took on other leadership roles at his church.
A graduate of SDSU, Hepper’s first job was as a vocational agriculture teacher and FFA adviser at MIller High School. He began his 37-year career in the community banking industry in 1985. Hepper worked for Norwest-Wells Fargo for 29 years and First Bank & Trust for eight years.
In June 2022, Hepper retired from his career in banking. At the end of 2023, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. In May, he formally resigned as the treasurer of the GCDC to focus all his time and attention on his family and his health.
Submitted Photo: Jeremy, Mary, Dave, Ryan and Nicole Hepper with Senator John Thune.
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