A Legacy of Love and Generosity: Dennis and Linda Batteen
January 6, 2025 // Board of Directors and Staff, Donors, Estate Planning
Dennis and Linda Batteen of Aberdeen, S.D. have built a life rooted in love, hard work and giving back. Dennis, a South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) board member, and Linda, his lifelong partner, are leaving a legacy through their estate gift to SDCF, ensuring future generations in South Dakota thrive.
Their journey began in a small country school, where Dennis declared Linda “the most beautiful girl he had ever seen”. After years apart for college, they reunited and married before Dennis’s final year of law school. Linda supported him financially, later managing his law office and becoming his most trusted partner.
In 2020, Linda faced a serious cancer diagnosis. Her strong faith, excellent medical care and resilience have amazed her doctors. Despite ongoing treatments, Linda’s positive outlook continues to inspire those around her.
Growing up on South Dakota farms, Dennis and Linda’s values of hard work, faith and frugality shaped their commitment to giving back. They have raised a close-knit family and embraced opportunities to share their blessings with others.
Reflecting on their philosophy, Dennis said, “Our attitude grew out of the scripture, ‘To whom much has been given, much is expected.’”
As members of the Christen Larson Heritage Circle, a tier of SDCF’s Legacy Society, the Batteens exemplify transformational giving. Their decision to include SDCF in their estate plans was inspired by SDCF’s mission and its profound impact across South Dakota. “After learning about all the good things SDCF does in the state, we knew we wanted to be part of it,” Dennis explained. The Foundation’s ability to efficiently connect donors’ philanthropic goals with the greatest community needs resonated with the Batteens’ desire to make a lasting difference.
Their estate will support causes they deeply care about, including the Aberdeen Community Theatre, where Linda has served as a board member for more than 30 years, as well as Safe Harbor, Boys and Girls Club, and the Aberdeen Family YMCA’s Glenna and Rodney Fouberg Youth Development Center. They also founded the Sonlight Children’s Foundation, which funds faith-based education for disadvantaged youth in Mexico and continues supporting their local church.
Dennis’s service on the SDCF Board of Directors underscores their shared mission to “pay it forward.” Reflecting on their philosophy, Dennis said, “Our attitude grew out of the scripture, ‘To whom much has been given, much is expected.’”
The Batteens’ thoughtful generosity ensures their legacy of love and community will impact South Dakota for generations. If their story inspires you, contact SDCF to learn how you can make a difference.
SDCF is a public non-profit organization established in 1987. SDCF, with offices in Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Aberdeen administers 1,200 funds benefiting hundreds of charitable organizations annually. The Foundation distributed nearly $31 million in grants in 2023 which made a tremendous difference in communities statewide. This would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors. If you have a specific cause you would like to support or would prefer to give for the general good of our state, please visit https://sdcommunityfoundation.org/giving to learn more or call 1-800-888-1842.