Jan. 1, 2025

An almost 40-year legal career came to a close at the end of 2024 as attorney Doug Hajek retired.

In honor of Hajek’s achievements, Mayor Paul TenHaken declared Dec. 30, 2024, Douglas J. Hajek Day in Sioux Falls.

Hajek, who largely served corporate and banking clients at Davenport Evans Lawyers, began his career in 1972 as a commercial lender with U.S. Bank in Rapid City before moving to Minneapolis to manage the company’s system-wide commercial loan participation pool. He later managed Western Bank’s mortgage banking operation in Sioux Falls.

Hajek began his legal career in 1985, shortly after Citibank came to town. He now draws on his experience and knowledge of the deal as the presenter of “When Citibank Came to South Dakota: The Economics, Personalities and Politics Behind the Move.”

Additionally, Hajek served as a contract lobbyist during 10 sessions of the South Dakota Legislature, working primarily with trust, banking and insurance legislation.

In his proclamation, TenHaken said Hajek “has left a lasting impression on this community due to his warm demeanor, sincerity, vast knowledge of nearly any topic and, most significantly, his integrity.”

A native of Tyndall, Hajek “has mentored, trained and led innumerable young professionals through his selfless dedication to making those around him better, all while expecting nothing in return,” TenHaken said.

“The city of Sioux Falls congratulates Doug for a long and illustrious career and thanks him for his unwavering dedication and stewardship of all the things that make this community what it is.”

Hajek has worked with the same assistant, Ruth Sauers, for 39 years. Sauers plans to remain at Davenport Evans and will continue assisting attorneys Jean Bender and Brooke Schmidt.

Upon retirement, Hajek said he plans to spend time with family and take lessons on the upright bass from Andrew Reinartz, who plays with the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra. He hopes the lessons will allow him to accompany his wife, Anne, who plays the piano.