The Watertown Chamber of Commerce inducted three notable, local figures into the Watertown Hall of Fame for their lasting legacy they imparted on the community.
The first posthumous inductee was Don Schweiger, a successful businessman who ran Schweiger’s Incorporated and founded Transmed.
Accepting the award was Todd Schweiger, his son, who brought some photos and his fathers WHS “W” patch he earned from his time on the football team as “it was the only thing he ever lettered in.”
Todd told the crowd tales of how Don started his life in Watertown, his entry into the national guard and subsequent deployment to WWII Europe, followed by his transfer to the Pacific Theater.
“Upon returning, he took up the reigns at the family body shop and was a part of the expansion of the middle class by the greatest generation,” Todd said. “These people weren’t just looking out for themselves, but for their nation, state, and town.”
The second posthumous inductee was Bob Faehn. South Dakota Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden spoke on Faehn’s character and the lasting legacy he left on the state.
Locally known as the founder of the KXLG radio station in 2009, and known statewide as a prominent legislator and Majority Whip, Faehn served on numerous boards and community groups in addition to his other duties. Rhoden said that Faehn always thought that his biggest accomplishment as a legislator was to write, and eventually pass, the bill that banned smoking in restaurants and bars and likened being Majority Whip to that of a “cat herder.”
“Bob Faehn was a monumental leader for the state,” Rhoden said. “And we know what monumental leaders are. We have four of them carved on a mountain in the Black Hills.”
In addition, Rhoden also read a letter authored by Governor Kristi Noem that said he was a “selfless and kind-hearted citizen and legislator whom never said ‘no’ as long at it promoted the state of South Dakota.”
The 2024 class’s only living member, Merlin Jeitz, was inducted last to close out the ceremony.
Jeitz worked for Cook’s Inc., and was involved with his community on the local and state levels. He was also instrumental in the establishment of Lake Area Technical College, the Airport Industrial Park, Pheasant Ridge Industrial Park, and bringing Minnesota Rubber to town.
Speaking to the attendees at Second Street Station, Jeitz thanked his wife, kids, and the four generations of his family that gathered for the event.
“We live in a great town,” Jeitz said. “We have been the envy of a lot of people over the years.”
The Chamber is accepting nominations for the next round of inductees, which will be chosen during the fall of 2026. Community members can nominate an individual by sending a letter to the Chamber.
- Accepting the award for Don Schweiger was Todd Schweiger, his son, who brought some photos and his fathers WHS “W” patch he earned from his time on the football team as “it was the only thing he ever lettered in.”
- Susie Faehn, wife of Bob Faehn, accepted the nomination into the Hall of Fame on his behalf.
- Merlin Jeitz was on hand, along with four generations of his family, to accept his nomination.