Kevin A. Forrester passed away on April 5, 2026, at the age of 58, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family, who cared for him at home during his final days.

Kevin was born on September 3, 1967, to Darrel and Mary (Maher) Forrester in Deadwood, South Dakota. Kevin was raised in Sturgis and after graduating from Sturgis Brown High School in 1985, he attended technical school and earned his electrician certification. Kevin spent a brief period working in Montana and Wyoming as an electrician before returning to Sturgis.

He then built a respected 28-year career in county government, modernizing infrastructure and serving as Facility and IT Director. He retired in June 2023 and during his retirement, he founded K4 Trails, developing mountain bike trails around Sturgis, the Black Hills, and several other states. Kevin was a member of the City Council in 2021 and most recently served as mayor, with a focus on infrastructure, public safety, and fostering economic growth. Recognized for his calm, collaborative approach, he emphasized trust, transparency, and responsible leadership. Mayor Forrester will be remembered not only for his roles but also for the compassion, accountability, and quiet resolve with which he served.

Kevin married Nicole Nelson in 1996, and they recently celebrated 30 years of marriage. Together, they raised three sons – Ty, Chad, and Brooks. Kevin was a loving husband and father who demonstrated his affection through his relentless efforts to provide for his family. Kevin enjoyed taking his boys on yearly ski trips, hunting adventures, and attending motocross races – some of the many cherished memories that his three sons will always treasure. He led by example, teaching his three boys the importance of dedication and responsibility. His family knew they could always rely on him to handle any situation, big or small, as he was always prepared with a plan. Kevin’s greatest gift to his sons was demonstrating what true dedication looks like. He instilled in them the motivation to pursue their own goals with the same passion and intensity he demonstrated.

Kevin’s lifelong love of two wheels began in the 1970s, when he was one of the neighborhood kids building BMX tracks, jumps, and trails around Sturgis. By the 1980s, as mountain biking took off, Kevin was all in. He began racing, capturing a South Dakota State Championship in 1992, and later competing in Colorado, where he excelled in downhill events.

In true Kevin fashion, he didn’t stop at racing, he started creating. His first of many mountain bike races took place at Alkali Creek near Sturgis. Over the years, he became known for hosting some of the most original and challenging events in the region. One event sent riders speeding through downtown alleyways and local bars. His mom, Mary, and his wife, Nicole, were always there by his side, helping make each event something special. Kevin’s vision reached its peak with the launch of the Tatanka 100, an ultra-endurance race that drew riders from across the nation and became part of the National Ultra Endurance (NUE) series.

But beyond races and competition, Kevin’s greatest legacy is carved into the hills themselves. As a founder of Black Hills Trails, he played a central role in building and developing the Sturgis Trail System, turning his hometown into a true destination for riders of all kinds. His tireless passion, creativity, and community spirit helped shape not only the trails, but the culture of mountain biking in Sturgis.

Kevin’s tracks will remain etched in the dirt and in the hearts of all who ride there.

Kevin is survived by his wife, Nicole; his three sons, Ty, Chad, and Brooks; his two sisters, Debra Hughes and Darla Burge; along with numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews who will cherish his memory.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Darrel and Mary Forrester; father-in-law, Larry Nelson; paternal grandparents, Glen and Edna Forrester; maternal grandparents, Myron Maher and Mary Maher; nieces, Ashley Nelson and Starr Standing High; and nephew, Cante Standing High.

His memorial service will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 2:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis. A luncheon will follow at the Loud American, downtown Sturgis. Everyone is welcome to attend and honor his memory.