Former City Councilor Kermit Staggers Passes Away

Former city council member and educator Kermit Staggers has passed away. Staggers served on the Sioux Falls city council until 2016, until he vacated the at-large seat due to ongoing health issues.

Several Sioux Falls City Councilors commented on the work of Staggers, including Councilor Rick Kiley. "Kermit Staggers faithfully served his constituents and supporters for 20 years in his various positions with state and local governments. I respect him for never wavering from his convictions and for the professional and respectful way in which he always conducted himself," said Kiley.

During an interview shortly after a diagnosis in 2015, Staggers explained his health struggle. "In my particular case, there was one medical issue that really just kind of was a curveball to me."

He fought against tax increases proposed by then-governor Bill Janklow when he was a Senator in Pierre 20 years ago and stuck to those same guns as a city councilman and says he wears it as a badge of honor when people say he's stingy when it comes to any plan that puts more money in the government's pockets.

For more than 30 years he was a professor at the University of Sioux Falls. Staggers was 72.

Staggers entered hospice approximately a week ago. Funeral arrangements are pending.