Gov. Rhoden Appoints Kellen Willert as Fourth Circuit Judge
Gov. Larry Rhoden on Oct. 8, 2026, announced the appointment of Kellen B. Willert as a circuit judge in the Fourth Judicial Circuit, a vacancy created by the departure of Judge John Fitzgerald.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Oct. 9, 2026
Contact: Alisa Bousa, Public Information Officer, via email or 605-773-2031
Gov. Rhoden Appoints Kellen Willert as Fourth Circuit Judge
PIERRE, S.D.—Gov. Larry Rhoden on Oct. 8, 2026, announced the appointment of Kellen B. Willert as a circuit judge in the Fourth Judicial Circuit, a vacancy created by the departure of Judge John Fitzgerald.
“Kellen has been a devoted student of the law and is a perfect fit to serve as a judge,” said Gov. Rhoden. “His life experience, military service and commitment to family will help him apply the law with fairness, accountability and compassion. I am confident that Kellen will be an asset to the Fourth Judicial Circuit.”
Willert has a wide range of experience in the legal field, ranging from estate planning to municipal law and complex litigation to military law. Willert graduated cum laude from South Dakota State University and earned his juris doctor with honors from the University of South Dakota School of Law. Willert served as a law clerk for the Fifth Judicial Circuit before moving to practice in Belle Fourche.
“I am humbled, honored and grateful for Governor Rhoden placing his trust in me to serve in this position,” said Willert. “While I am sad to close the private practice chapter of my life and leave those who have mentored and supported me for many years, I look forward to this next chapter serving the citizens of the Fourth Judicial Circuit in this role. I will strive to impartially uphold the law with integrity and fairness.”
Willert is a lieutenant colonel in the South Dakota Army National Guard. You can find a photo of Willert here.
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About South Dakota Courts: The Unified Judicial System (UJS) consists of the Supreme Court, Circuit Courts and State Court Administrator’s Office. The Supreme Court is the state’s highest court and final decision maker on South Dakota law. The Circuit Courts are the state’s trial courts where criminal proceedings and civil litigation are handled. The State Court Administrator’s Office provides centralized administrative assistance and support services for the South Dakota judiciary. Learn more about UJS.