John K. Konenkamp

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John K. Konenkamp (born October 20, 1944) is an associate justice of the South Dakota Supreme Court.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., as the first of eight children born to Margaret and John Konenkamp. John Konenkamp has 6 brothers and 1 sister. He attended private Catholic School throughout the duration of his childhood and adolescence. In his teen years, his family moved to Macon, GA where his father took a position at Robins Air Force base. Konenkamp graduated from the University of Georgia in 1967, served in the United States Navy and following that, attended the University of South Dakota. He graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in 1974. He served as Deputy State's Attorney for Rapid City, South Dakota through 1977, then switched to private practice. Konenkamp was active in the American Legion and the state Bar association and has also served as a foster parent for the state Department of Social Services. In 1984 South Dakota Governor Bill Janklow appointed Konenkamp a circuit court judge. He became presiding judge of the seventh circuit in 1988. In 1994 Governor Walter Dale Miller appointed him to the state supreme court, he survived retention elections in 1998 and again in 2006.

Justice Konenkamp represents the First Supreme Court District, which includes Custer, Fall River, Lawrence, Meade and Pennington counties. After serving in the United States Navy, he attended the University of South Dakota School of Law, graduating in 1974. He practiced in Rapid City as a Deputy State’s Attorney until 1977. He then engaged in private practice until 1984 when he was appointed Circuit Judge. In May 1988, he became Presiding Judge of the Seventh Circuit. He was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1994 after ten years on the trial bench and was retained by the voters in the 1998 and 2006 general elections. He is a member of the State Bar of South Dakota, American Legion, Pennington County Bar Association, and a Director in the American Judicature Society. Justice Konenkamp and his wife, Geri, are former foster parents for the Department of Social Services. Justice Konenkamp serves on a number of boards advancing the improvement of the legal system and the protection of children. Justice Konenkamp and his wife have two adult children, Kathryn and Matthew.