Raymond Kuhl

Inducted November 13, 2024

Born on August 8, 1933, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Ray Kuhl was a dedicated advocate for rural community development and improvement. A St. Thomas College baseball scholarship recipient, Ray completed his degree at South Dakota State University while serving as an ROTC officer, eventually joining the Air National Guard.

Ray began his life with his wife, Jacqueline, in Waco, Texas, where he trained as an Airborne Combat Navigator during the Cold War. His commitment to service was recognized by Veterans Affairs, reflecting his pride in his military contributions.
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Ray’s passion for community service led him to East River Electric Power Cooperative in Madison, South Dakota, and later to Sioux Valley Empire Electric. Over his 12 years at Sioux Valley, Ray became a prominent public relations director and helped establish the South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems. He advised the association from its inception and served as the management coordinator for the Big Sioux Community Water System.
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In 1977, Ray was named Executive Manager and Training Director of the South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems, pioneering a statewide training program for rural water management. His leadership connected countless farmers with clean, reliable water sources, enhancing livestock health and quality of life for rural families. Ray’s efforts laid the foundation for rural water systems across South Dakota, collaborating with local leaders to drive community and economic development.
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Ray’s lifelong dedication to rural water systems profoundly impacted South Dakota’s water landscape. Ray Kuhl passed away on December 9, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of community dedication and service.

William "Bill" Dempsey

​Inducted November 13, 2024

Affectionately known as Bill to friends and Bud to family, Bill Dempsey was pivotal in pioneering rural water development in South Dakota. Born near Athboy, SD, in 1932 Bill graduated from White High School in 1950. In 1951, he joined the Air Force, serving as a radio operator during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge, he returned to South Dakota and married his wife, Ellen, in 1954. Together, they settled on the family farm near White, where they raised cattle, hogs, and row crops for over 30 years.
 
Bill’s journey in rural water began in 1972 when he convened with local leaders around his kitchen table to address water issues in their community. This grassroots effort led to the formation of the Brookings-Deuel Rural Water System, with Bill serving as its first chairman and establishing a solid foundation for its success. He was also present at the organizational meeting for the South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems (SDARWS) in Madison, SD, in October 1972. He later served as President of SDARWS for three years, secretary for three years, and developed an insurance program for rural water systems.
 
In 1976, Bill attended the inaugural meeting of the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) in Oklahoma City. There, he was elected to its Board of Directors and represented South Dakota for 11 years. In recognition of his contributions, Bill was awarded the first Carrol Anderson Award in 1978. He also held leadership roles with the East Dakota Water Development District and the South Dakota Conservation Commission.
 
After retiring in 2002, Bill’s legacy of service continues to benefit communities across the state. He passed away on March 29, 2018, leaving behind a remarkable impact on South Dakota’s rural water landscape.

Raymond "Dale" Kennedy

​​Inducted November 13, 2024

Raymond Dale Kennedy was born on April 8, 1925, in Beresford, SD, and graduated from Beresford High School in 1943. He worked at a California aircraft parts plant during WWII, served in the U.S. Army in Germany post-war, and briefly attended SDSU before returning to farming. As a young man, Dale was invited to try out for the Brooklyn Dodgers, but farm duties took priority.
 
Dale played a pioneering role in bringing rural water to Lincoln County and became a charter director when the system launched in 1976. In 1977, Dale joined the SDARWS Board, representing South Lincoln Rural Water System. Serving as secretary for the South Dakota Board of Water and Natural Resources, he helped allocate state funds and shape the state water plan across three gubernatorial administrations.
 
In 1987, Dale was nominated and elected as South Dakota’s director on the National Rural Water Association Board at the NRWA Annual Meeting in Charleston, SC. Known for his initiative and vision, Dale chaired fifty board meetings, twelve annual meetings, and many executive sessions. His volunteer advocacy in Pierre during legislative sessions was instrumental in advancing rural water initiatives.
 
A friend and champion of rural water in South Dakota, Dale was known for his “political” touch – earning the playful nickname “Governor” among friends. Dale Kennedy passed away on October 30, 2010, leaving a legacy of dedicated service to South Dakota’s rural water community.

Loren Paulsen

​​​Inducted November 13, 2024

Born near Ward, South Dakota, on October 16, 1932, Loren Paulsen dedicated his life to agriculture, education, and public service. After graduating from South Dakota State University with a degree in agricultural education, Loren’s studies were interrupted by the Korean War. He enlisted in the Navy, serving with distinction in Japan. Upon his return, Loren resumed his studies, married his wife, Lucille, and became a high school agriculture teacher, inspiring students in Elkton, Garretson, and Colman.
 
Loren’s passion for leadership and public policy led him to play a pivotal role in rural water development. In 1971, he helped organize the Big Sioux Community Water System, serving as chairman of its first steering committee. He became president of the board in 1972 when the system was officially incorporated, guiding its early development.
 
Loren’s commitment to rural water extended beyond his local community. He was a founding figure in the South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems, serving as its first president in 1974. His leadership and vision helped lay the foundation for the organization’s success.
Recognized for his expertise, Loren was appointed by South Dakota Governor Richard Kneip to serve on a special advisory committee for rural water systems under the Old West Regional Commission. Working with governors from neighboring states, Loren contributed to the planning and advancing of rural water infrastructure across the region.
 
Loren Paulsen passed away on December 23, 2018, in Flandreau, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication to his community and state.

James Feeney

​​​​Inducted November 13, 2024

Jim Feeney, a native of Mount Vernon, South Dakota, and an alumnus of South Dakota State University with a degree in Political Science, began his public service career in 1978 with the Highway Safety Program located in the Department of Public Safety and later the Department of Commerce and Regulation. In 1989, he found his calling at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as a Policy Analyst in the Water and Waste Funding program. His dedication led to promotions, first to Administrator of the Water Resources Assistance Program in 1996, and later to Director of the Division of Financial and Technical Assistance in 2013.

One of Jim’s most significant achievements was incorporating dedicated water funding into an annual Omnibus Water Funding Bill, which provided essential funding to water projects across the state. This process provided critical support for systems such as Fall River Water User District, Lewis & Clark Regional Water System, Mid-Dakota Rural Water System, Mni Wiconi/West River Lyman-Jones Rural Water System, Perkins County Rural Water System, and Southern Black Hills Water System. His efforts enabled these projects to leverage federal support, ensuring successful completion.

Jim also implemented the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) program, and administered the Clean Water SRF and state Consolidated program. These programs continue to impact South Dakota’s water quality and water infrastructure. After retiring from DENR in 2018, he continued his service with the South Eastern Council of Governments (SECOG) retiring in 2023.
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Jim’s nearly five-decade legacy is one of leadership and dedication, bringing lasting improvements to water quality, public health, and quality of life across South Dakota.