Wilkinson of De Smet named 31st Spirit of Dakota winner Saturday

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HURON — Jean Wilkinson of De Smet was selected as the 31st Spirit of Dakota winner, at a banquet ceremony held Saturday night at the Huron Event Center.
“Jean Wilkinson is the epitome of strength, endurance and faith,” said First Lady Linda Daugaard, who presented the Spirit of Dakota award. “These are qualities that make her a worthy recipient of this year’s Spirit of Dakota Award.
Each year the award is presented to a woman who has demonstrated unique leadership qualities and who is admired in her community. She must have deep roots, and have a strength of character that has helped her develop her family and her community and one who has represented social, cultural and educational advancement for others.
Wilkinson checks all the boxes, but you would never hear that from her.
“Jean would never take credit for the countless acts of kindness that she has given throughout her life,” Daugaard added. “She is a caring, compassionate, generous, unselfish and hard-hitting go-getter who doesn’t expect praise or recognition.”
Jean Wilkinson grew up near Hazel, one of seven daughters. After she graduated from nursing school, she moved to De Smet with her husband Todd, who had also just graduated from law school.

She worked for more than 20 years as a Registered Nurse at De Smet Memorial Hospital, while volunteering for the local ambulance service.
She has been active in the De Smet Community, in the De Smet PTA and in the American Lutheran Church. She has taught Sunday School, delivered Meals on Wheels and was a leading fundraiser when new playground equipment was needed at the De Smet Elementary School.
Throughout all of her volunteer endeavors, Wilkinson has continued to be a devoted wife, mother, sister, sister-in-law, daughter-in-law and friend to all.
While being involved in the family’s cattle and farm operation, she has also worked as the office manager at her husband’s law office.
In 2008, she was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis, leading to a lung transplant in 2010. After a very short period of time, she was back in charge, taking over her own care and enduring with no complaint or expectation of pity from anyone.
In 2016, she underwent her second organ transplant, this time a kidney, donated by her sister. She was quickly back at work and volunteering, due to her determination and fighting spirit.
Her motto has always been “Prayers go up; Blessings come down.”
“Jean is always on the go and helping others any chance she gets,” writes Caryn Hojer of De Smet, one of Wilkinson’s nominators. “Whether chauffeuring kids to sporting or school events, helping her parents or in-laws, caring for her seven grandchildren, attending one of her multiple board meetings or church meetings, it seems as if she always has had something to keep her busy, regardless of what is going on in her life.”

Photo by Angelina Della Rocco of the Plainsman
Jean Wilkinson of De Smet, was selected 2017 Spirit of Dakota winner Saturday night. From left, are Bev Wright of Turton, Marsha Sumpter of Kadoka, First Lady Linda Daugaard, Ginger Thomson, Jean Wilkinson of De Smet, and Judy Trzynka of Watertown.