This legislative commemoration honors the life and service of former Representative Dr. Donald Dean Van Etten, who passed away on September 23, 2024, at the age of ninety. Dr. Van Etten was born on March 10, 1934, in Orange City, Iowa, and pursued a career in medicine, completing his education at the University of Iowa School of Medicine. He married Verla Jean Vanderbush in 1957, and together they engaged in missionary work in the Middle East before returning to the U.S. to practice surgery in Iowa and later in Rapid City, South Dakota. After retiring from his surgical practice at sixty-five, he served in the South Dakota House of Representatives from 2001 to 2008, where he held significant roles, including chair of the House Health and Human Services Committee.

The commemoration expresses the Legislature's condolences to Dr. Van Etten's family, recognizing his dedication to the people of South Dakota throughout his life and career. The resolution reflects the impact he made both in the medical field and in public service, highlighting his commitment to health and human services during his legislative tenure.