George Daniel Levin, 95, long time area farmer, rancher & political activist passed away at Sturgis Regional Senior Care on July 15, 2016.

George was born in Sturgis, SD, on July 4, 1921, to Daniel & Dorothy Levin of Hereford, SD. It took him many years to realize that everyone was not celebrating his birthday on July 4. George grew up on the family farm and attended school at Hereford. He graduated from Sturgis High School in 1940. Upon graduation, he attended Spearfish Normal School until his father had a massive heart attack and could no longer run the farm at Hereford. George took over the operation in 1941. In 1942, he and his brother operated together on the Levin place at Hereford.

George married Laura Butler on June 14, 1943. To this union, four children were born; Lauren, Dennis, Sheryl, and Marlin (infant deceased). They lived at Hereford, working the family farm, until 1952 when they moved to Sturgis. In 1953, they moved to Chester, MT, where George worked as an ironworker. They moved to Hungry Horse, MT, later in 1953. They returned to western South Dakota in the fall of 1953. George worked construction in the area including working on the Kirk Power Station in Lead and the missile base east of Sturgis. In 1958, they purchased an irrigated farm near Newell. In 1965, they purchased a farm & ranch operation near Hereford and in 1968 they sold the farm at Newell and moved to Hereford. They built and operated a very successful family farm/ranch operation with the help of their two sons and families. In 1985, they retired to their home in Sturgis and began to enjoy retirement. George was still actively involved in the ranching operation and continued to operate until 2000 when he turned the operation over to his sons. He and Laura farmed their own land until 2005.

George was a founding member of the Independent Stock Growers of America and in 1974 testified as an expert witness in a federal court in San Francisco regarding price fixing of beef by the large super market chains. Although George did not benefit from the case, the plaintiffs in the case were awarded $32.5 million in damages. George also served on the Marketing and Processing board of directors for Farmers Union for many years. He was an active member of the Democratic Party in South Dakota. He was a candidate for state office from Butte County in the early 1960's. In 1968, he was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, IL.

George and Laura traveled extensively. They spent many winters in south Texas where George performed in the many musical jams held in the winter. They traveled to Sweden, the homeland of his father, twice. George loved to read, sing, and play his guitar. But most of all he loved to talk politics and go bird watching. George was an atheist and requests that there not be a funeral service but relented in having a visitation.

Special thank you goes to all the caregivers at Sturgis Regional Senior Care. Thank you so much for loving and caring so much for our loved ones. You hold a very special place in our heart. We are so grateful for your hard work & dedication.

He is survived by two sons, Lauren (Judy) and Dennis (Jessie); and daughter, Sheryl (Les). He leaves behind numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren, adopted grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

George is preceded in death by his loving wife, Laura; his parents; an infant son; a brother; and two sisters.

Visitation is 11:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. Friday, July 22, 2016, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow at Bear Butte Cemetery.

A memorial has been established. Cards may be mailed to 14796 Whistler Ct, Summerset, SD 57769.

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