The family of Terry Westergaard extends a heartfelt thank you for the many, many people who touched us with their kind words, donations, meals, and presence in the days following Terry's passing. We are grateful for the many friends, acquaintances, and family who let us know what an impact Terry made in their lives. Specifically, we wish to thank our family at Bangs McCullen Law Firm. They continue to support us daily, both personally and professionally. We also are grateful for our extended family, who continue to be our stronghold even in their pain. We offer thanks to the SD State Bar Association and to friends from both the Rapid City area as well as from Terry's hometown, Viborg, SD. Your condolences with specific memories of Terry touched us deeply. We are grateful for the generous gifts and thoughts from all. Terry blessed many people in his life; your kindness has blessed us in return.

Karen, Brandon & Lindsey, Kally Jo & Harley and kids, Kiley & Chris, Hannah, Kaden, and Kolton

Terry Gerald Westergaard, age 57, of Rapid City, SD, passed away from a cardiac event on July 28, 2021, at Pactola Reservoir, a place at which he always felt and continues to feel at peace.

His immediate family will privately celebrate Terry's life, and an informal gathering for family, friends, and colleagues will follow at a later date. Please return to this page for updates. The following link will allow you to contribute monetarily to the family if you wish: https://gofund.me/6a27def6. Contributions may also be sent to 4802 Steamboat Circle, Rapid City, SD, 57702.

Terry was born in Viborg, SD, on August 17, 1963, to Gerald and Norma (Pearson) Westergaard, currently of Rapid City, SD. He carried his farm upbringing with him in both his professional and private life.

At age 7, he made his presence known to his future wife, then age 5, when he pushed her down the steps at school. At age 16, he asked her to be his girlfriend. At age 23, he asked her to marry him. On August 8, 1987, he married Karen Renae Westergaard (formerly Mark).
Terry graduated from Augustana College in 1985 and worked as an underwriter until he began law school in 1987. He earned his J.D. at the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1990.

Terry joined Bangs McCullen's Rapid City office in 1998, after having spent several years in private practice in Belle Fourche and in Sioux Falls. Terry's practice focused on insurance law and business litigation. He was Managing Partner at the time of his death.

Terry lived his life for his family. His children include Brandon (Lindsey) Westergaard, Atlanta, GA; Kallan Jo (Harley) Lunt, Sioux Falls, SD; Kiley (Christopher) Bradshaw, Omaha, NE; Hannah, Kaden, and Kolton Westergaard, Rapid City, SD. His grandchildren include Tiyauna, Skye, Everlee, and Spencer Lunt, Sioux Falls, SD. His siblings include Lisa (Don) Knudsen and David (Wendy) Westergaard, all of Rapid City, SD. Family members-in-law include Charles & Martha Mark, Yankton, SD; Kathy (Fremont) Bradeen, Custer, SD; Darrell (Heidi) Mark, Irene, SD; Betty Jo (Daniel) Berg, Fort Collins, CO. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews and is preceded in death by his niece, Laney Mark.
Terry was dedicated to professional and community service. He was President of the State Bar of South Dakota from 2020 to 2021. Current State Bar President, William C. Garry, expressed that "Terry was an exceptional attorney and a gregarious and positive person. Terry had a positive impact on the State Bar of South Dakota, and it is a better organization because of his leadership."

Terry was a former Bar Commissioner and served on the State Bar Disciplinary Board. He was a member of the South Dakota State Bar Law School Committee and Strategic Planning Committee. Terry was also a member of the American Bar Association's Council of the Solo, Small Firm, and General Practice Division, where he served on several committees. Terry was previously President of the South Dakota Defense Lawyers Association, President of the Young Lawyers Section of the State Bar of South Dakota, and a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. Terry was also a member of the Defense Research Institute and the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association. He served on various local community boards. Terry was listed in Best Lawyers in America for Insurance Law, and he held an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

Terry spent most of his time outdoors dirt biking, swimming, gardening, hunting, kayaking, camping, and boating. Age never stopped him from keeping up with his children; neither did their teasing. They will always remember cliff-jumping with him every summer, calling him "the flying squirrel," as he catapulted off a 40-foot cliff, arms outstretched, spinning, before smacking into the water. Even on his final day, Karen, as usual, remarked what a beautiful day it was at Pactola. Every time she repeated it, he replied, "Yes. It. Is." Every day at Pactola was his favorite day; he was fortunate to spend his last day there.

He also enjoyed discovering and experimenting with new recipes. Criticism of his cooking was not allowed; compliments were freely encouraged. He was his own biggest fan, often saying, "This is pretty good if I do say so myself." He was a handyman and problem-solver; he could fix anything and did. If he ever sat down, it was to watch Viking football on Sundays. An entire lifetime was not enough to see them win the Super Bowl; he will be ecstatic when they do.

His favorite thing to do was to spend time with his best friend, Karen, of 42 years, 34 of those married. He cherished every minute with Karen, his children, his dog, and his four grandchildren, to whom he will always be Papa. Terry was an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend. In his strong faith, he taught his children to love the Lord with all you have and to love others in the same way. Above all, he passed along his patience, acceptance, and humor to his children. While sharing memories of Terry, his son, Kaden, exclaimed with a smirk like his father's, "How much of a baller do you gotta be to die in the water and not drown?" We heard Terry laughing along with us.