Longtime South Dakota sheriff dies

February 14, 2024

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – On Tuesday afternoon, the Union County Sheriff’s Office announced on Facebook the passing of long-time Sheriff Dan Limoges.

The Kober Funeral Home of Vermillion and Elk Point says Limoges died unexpectedly Tuesday at the age of 64.

Limoges started his career in law enforcement in 1985 as a patrol officer for the Alcester police department until he joined the Union County Sheriff’s Office in 1989. Only 2 years later, he was elected to serve as the sheriff and was consecutively re-elected and would hold the title for 33 years.

Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead said he viewed Sheriff Limoges as a mentor and he knows others in the field would feel the same. The respect his peers had for him ultimately led to Limoges’ election as President of the South Dakota Sheriff’s Association in 2005.

Milstead recalled, “He was always there to provide guidance. He had a great sense of humor. I’ve been in a lot of meetings with Dan and he’d probably be sitting in the back of the row not afraid to maybe make some comments when they needed to be made, and he’d speak when he needed to and we’d all listen to when he did.”

Following the announcement of Sheriff Limoges’ passing, Attorney General Marty Jackley released a statement saying quote “He was a public servant who was dedicated to his county and his profession.” Public safety offices from all over the state took to social media to express the same sentiments.

“A lot of emotions with all of that knew him and thought of him and respected him and he’ll be missed, obviously,” said Milstead.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office said Sheriff Limoges oversaw 10 full-time deputies, the county jail, and the 911 communications center.

The Facebook post from the Union County Sheriff’s Office reads:

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Union County Sheriff Dan Limoges. Sheriff Limoges served Union County for 33 years as Sheriff, getting elected to his first term in 1991, and has been consecutively re-elected Sheriff since. Prior to, Sheriff Limoges got his start in law enforcement in 1985 as a patrol officer for the Alcester Police Department until he accepted a position with the Union County Sheriff’s Office in 1989. In addition, Sheriff Limoges served as the president of the South Dakota Sheriff’s Association in 2005. Sheriff Limoges oversaw 10 full-time Deputies, the Union County Jail, and the 911 Communications Center. Sheriff Limoges was well known within the community and was deeply committed to providing quality and professional law enforcement services to the citizens of Union County. Sheriff Limoges will be greatly missed.

Funeral information can be found here: https://www.koberfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Dan-Limoges?obId=30728839#/celebrationWall