J. R. Yde

Jan Robert Yde was born May 26, 1952 at Madison General Hospital to Richard, Sr. and Lola (Estenson) Yde of Madison, Wisconsin. He grew up in Orchard Ridge and attended James Madison Memorial High School, graduating with honors and was a member of a Wisconsin State High School Champion Cross-Country team. From there, he would enroll at his mother’s alma mater, The University of Wisconsin – River Falls. He graduated in 1975 with honors, receiving his Golden R, just as his mother had. After graduation, he moved to rural Renner, SD and founded Sioux Valley Environmental in 1977. On October 15, 1983, he married Julie (Eigen) Yde of Sioux City, IA. In 1985, they bought a house near West Nidaros in rural Renner and raised their three kids: Dane (25), Katrina (22), and Jorgen (17).


J.R. loved baseball, fishing, hockey, hunting, but most of all, being with his family. He joined the Renner Rangers amateur baseball team, and played on the club hockey team in Sioux Falls in his early years. When his older son Dane reached high school, he was one of numerous parents that helped found high school baseball in South Dakota. He would form a co-operative Class B high school team made up of Baltic, Tri-Valley, Montrose, West Central, and Sioux Falls Christian high schools and make their home at historic Renner Field. His team would finish with the league best record and as the runner-up in the state tournament in 2001. The following year, the Rangers won the State Championship and J.R. was named South Dakota High School Baseball’s Coach of the Year. He coached numerous youth baseball and hockey teams for his two sons. He also enjoyed hunting with his father and brothers and spending time at the lake cabin fishing with his wife, daughter, and two boys.

Upon moving to South Dakota, J.R. would join West Nidaros Lutheran Church in rural Crooks. He served on numerous committees, taught Sunday school and even filled in to lead worship when the Pastor was absent.

J.R. was a proud businessman and a successful entrepreneur. He started his business from scratch in 1977, working in the upper Midwest. After 34 years, his business would become international, as J.R. worked throughout North America. He was very active in numerous state associations within the water and wastewater industry, and served as the President of the South Dakota Water Operators Association from 1996-1997. He designed and built innovative systems and currently holds three patents and a trademark. Most of all, J.R. enjoyed working with people throughout the water community and made many lasting friendships.


J.R. passed away at Sanford Hospital on Wednesday evening, October 19, 2011, just five short months after his youngest son, Jorgen.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, and son Jorgen. He is survived by his wife, Julie (Sioux Falls, SD) and children, Dane and Katrina; parents, Richard, Sr. and Lola (Madison, WI);siblings, Richard, Jr. (Katie) Yde (Madison, WI); Linda (Tom) Holmes (Oregon, WI); Mark (Lisa) Yde (Fort Wayne, IN); Paul (Sarah Elder) Yde (University Park, MD); Carl (Lynn) Yde (Madison, WI); Helen (Greg) (Marshfield, WI).Many cousins and relatives also survive him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Jorgen Yde Benefit Fund at First Premier Bank.
.