Funeral Service for Stan Adelstein

Stanford M. Adelstein

August 19,1931 - August 10, 2026

Stanford Mark Adelstein, a former South Dakota State Senator, philanthropist and businessman, died peacefully on August 10, 2026. He is survived by his beloved wife Lynda Clark Adelstein, his sons Daniel Adelstein (Judy), James Adelstein, Jonathan Adelstein (Karen), his grandchildren Adam and Alexis, Shirley (Joshua Sanderlin), Michael (Laura Molnar) and Danielle as well as his great-granddaughter Lea Sanderlin. He is also survived by his brother Robert Adelstein (Carol) and his cousin Jerry Mizel (Liora).

Stan had a profound love for Rapid City, the State of South Dakota and a passion for public service. He served in the state legislature between 2001 - 2013, first in the House of Representatives, then as a state senator. He relished the fight for good causes and often said representing the people of District 32 was the best job he ever had.

Stan is well known for his charitable giving and leadership in civic and public service organizations including: The Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, St. John’s McNamara Hospital, the Journey Museum, the Dahl Fine Arts Center, the Black Hills Symphony, the Black Hills Playhouse, Lutheran Social Services, the Performing Arts Center of Rapid City, the Club for Boys, and South Dakota Public Broadcasting among many other organizations. Stan continually asked the question, “how can I help?” He committed his time, money and expertise to friends and strangers alike, changing many lives for the better.

The son of Morris and Bertha Adelstein, Stan was born in Sioux City, Iowa and grew up in Rapid City. Stan earned bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering and business administration from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He met his first wife Ita Korn Adelstein (1930- 2009), a fellow student at the university. Ita and Stan married in 1952 and had three sons, Daniel, James and Jonathan. Stan’s love for his sons was fierce. He delighted in their successes and proudly celebrated their achievements to anyone who had the patience to listen. His five grandchildren and his great-granddaughter were a great joy for him and represented his hope for the future.

Stan took great pride in his Jewish faith, participating in national and international Jewish organizations and was a staunch advocate for Israel. He was a national leader for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, American Jewish Committee, Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs, and the Republican Jewish Coalition. He was often called upon to represent the Jewish community at public events, such as helping to establish the Hanukkah menorah at the State Capitol in Pierre. He spearheaded the move of The Synagogue of the Hills from Ellsworth Air Force Base to Rapid City where it found a permanent home in a building he donated.

Stan proudly served his country as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (1955-1957) and as a captain in the South Dakota Army National Guard (1957-1961). As a civilian, he was a reservist for the National Defense Executive Reserve and was appointed as a reservist for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. In 1999, he was appointed as Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army and in 2001 was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the Association of the U.S. Army. He was also a member of the American Legion.

After his military service, Stan assumed the role of engineer and estimator at Northwestern Engineering Company, founded in 1924 by his father. He became president of the company in 1968 and later assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer, overseeing its growth into one of the region’s largest highway and heavy construction companies. He later led the company’s transition into real estate acquisition and development.

Stan was incredibly fortunate to meet Lynda Clark in 1998; they were married in 2011. Together, they traveled the world and shared an appreciation for art, music, their beloved dogs and above all else, each other. Lynda filled Stan’s days with joy and meaning. His children are profoundly grateful for Lynda’s unwavering devotion, care and compassion during the difficult final chapter of Stan’s life.

Stan’s family would like to thank the staff at Good Samaritan St. Martin Village for the loving care they gave Stan during his last few years. We also wish to thank the doctors, nurses and therapists at Custer Hospital for their excellent care of Stan during a critical stage of his illness. They gave Stan the precious gift of additional time to spend with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations honoring Stan’s memory may be made to The Synagogue of the Hills, The Journey Museum, South Dakota Public Broadcasting or The Club for Boys.

Arrangements under the direction of Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. - Live Stream Link will be provided