SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Valley News Live) – Thomas “Denny” Sanford, the Sioux Falls philanthropist whose generosity transformed a regional hospital system into one of the largest rural health networks in the country, died Saturday. He was 90.
Sanford passed away peacefully on July 18, 2026, according to his obituary published by Sanford Health. He was born Dec. 23, 1935, in St. Paul, Minn.
After a career in business that included founding First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard in Sioux Falls, Sanford turned his focus to philanthropy. In 2007, he made history with a $400 million gift to Sioux Valley Health System, which was subsequently renamed Sanford Health in his honor. His total giving to Sanford Health reached nearly $2 billion, and his lifetime philanthropic contributions exceeded $4 billion, according to Sanford Health.
His gifts funded specialty facilities including the Edith Sanford Breast Center, Sanford Children’s Hospital and Sanford Health’s Virtual Care Initiative, as well as the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls, the Sanford Underground Research Facility and the Crazy Horse Memorial in the Black Hills. His giving also extended to health, education and research initiatives nationally.
The Chronicle of Philanthropy named him one of the 50 most generous philanthropists in the United States.
Sanford is survived by his brother, Charles “Chuck” (Nancy) Sanford; sons Bill (Andrea) and Scott (Rada); and three grandchildren.
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