PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- Less than a week after the passing of former South Dakota Governor Frank Farrar, the state’s gubernatorial community is shocked again with the passing of former First Lady Jean Rounds. Rounds was the wife of 31st governor and current U-S Senator Mike Rounds. Rounds released a statement Tuesday afternoon saying quote…”The love of my life is with the Lord. No more treatments. No more pain. Just peace. South Dakota knew her as First Lady. We knew her as wife, daughter, mom and grandma. She was everything to us. The prayers and support we received throughout this battle were powerful and made a difference. We ask for your continued prayer as we remember her life and grieve together as a family.” Rounds served on the Capitol Complex Restoration and Beautification Committee and voted against the installation of a fence around the South Dakota Governor’s Mansion which Mike Rounds says was so important to her.
State Treasurer Josh Haeder got to know Jean Rounds while working as a staffer for her husband.
People impacted by the life of former First Lady Jean Rounds continue to send their condolences to her husband, South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds and their family.
Former Lieutenant Governor Mike Michels says Jean Rounds stayed true to herself.
South Dakota Senator John Thune addressed Rounds passing on the Senate Floor Wednesday.
Thune called on fellow Senators to help their colleague.
Rounds passed away Tuesday morning following a two-year battle with sarcoma cancer.
Services for Jean Rounds will be Saturday, November 6th at Ss. (Saints) Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Pierre at 10 AM. Burial will follow at the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Pierre. Visitation is Friday, November 5th from five to seven PM with a prayer service at six PM.