John Scott Lovald was born on July 15th, 1948, in Rapid City SD, to Scott and Hazel (Johnson) Lovald. John grew up with a deep appreciation for family, education, community and integrity -- values that would guide his life and career.

John graduated from Phillip high school in 1966. He went on to earn a liberal arts degree from Augustana College in Sioux Falls in 1970, graduating summa cum laude. He pursued his legal education at the University of Minnesota, where he received his Juris Doctor degree in 1973 graduating cum laude.

John began practicing law in Pierre, South Dakota in 1973, where he served individuals, businesses, and families with dedication and professionalism until 2009. He continued his legal work in Deadwood, South Dakota until his retirement in 2015. For over 3 decades, he also served the Department of Justice, with distinction, as a Chapter 7 Federal Bankruptcy Trustee from the early 1980s to 2011 and as a Chapter 12 Bankruptcy Trustee for South Dakota, first for the Central Division, 1987 to 1996 and then Statewide 1996 to 2008.

Married on June 27th, 1970, John and Roberta (Backhaus) built a life grounded in love, mutual respect and devotion to family. They were blessed with two children, Krista Miller and friend Dee Robert, Scott Lovald (Marlene) and three grandchildren, Christian Miller, Elyse Miller and Bea Lovald. John took special joy in being part of their lives, following their school and sports activities, proudly serving as team grandparents for every volleyball, football and soccer team!

In retirement John and Roberta spent four winters in Las Vegas, enjoying time close to their daughter and grandchildren. Eventually, they followed family to San Antonio TX, first as winter Texans living in an RV and then in 2019 as full time Texans, after they sold their Boulder Canyon home. Upon moving to San Antonio, John became an enthusiastic San Antonio Spurs fan cheering on the team through every high and low.

Throughout his life, John remained deeply involved in his community. He was past president of the Lutheran Memorial Church council, past president of the Pierre athletic booster club, past member of the Pierre Chamber of Commerce board of directors and a member of the Sturgis Kiwanis Club with special interest in the Sturgis Kiwanis Pantry. While living in Boulder Canyon, he also served as a board member of the Apple Springs Road and Sanitary Districts. His contributions were always made with quiet leadership and thoughtful decision making.

An avid golfer for most of his life, John played until 2022, when declining vision led him to set aside his clubs. He and Roberta also enjoyed traveling, visiting their 50th and final State, Alaska in the fall of 2025. They give their children credit for drawing them to interesting locations over the course of their education and employment years, including Albuquerque, Las Vegas, Newark DE, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Joensuu, Finland and San Francisco. Traveling with their Alma Mater’s Band and Chorus during tours to Ireland, Egypt and Norway were also highlights.

John was preceded in death by his parents and by his sister Karen Leuning. He is survived by his wife, his children and grandchildren, his brother-in-law Lee Leuning and his nieces and nephews Nathan Leuning, Kelly Leuning, Kerry Rosane, Glynis Collier, Steven Danielson, Beth Fischer and Lorna Adkins.

John's life was one of thoughtful service, deep love for family and steady wisdom. He will be remembered for his calm demeanor, his sharp mind, his devotion to family, and his quiet but unwavering moral compass. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the family he nurtured and the example he set.