In health care, philanthropy stands at the intersection of discovery, innovation and growth.
No one understood that better than Dick Bohy, a longtime Sioux Valley Hospital executive who, more than four decades ago, envisioned what we know today as the Sanford Health Foundation.
Dick believed philanthropy would be the difference between whether a health system would follow or lead the future of health care.
He was right.
Today, as the Sanford Health Foundation celebrates a record-setting year of philanthropic impact made possible by more than 20,000 donors across our footprint, we pause to celebrate the life and legacy of Dick Bohy — a true trailblazer whose vision for philanthropy’s power and purpose has strengthened hundreds of communities, inspired thousands of donors to discover the joy of giving, and delivered hope and healing to millions of patients and families.
Sadly, Dick passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026 at age 85. While we mourn his passing, we also honor the remarkable impact he had on our organization and those we serve.
A Legacy of Service
Dick Bohy’s career in health care began in 1974 when Lyle Schroeder, chief administrator of Sioux Valley Hospital, made him the director of the Sioux Valley School of Nursing.
“He took a chance on a green kid from Nebraska,” Dick once recalled with a smile.
Two years later, Dick was promoted to director of nursing for the entire hospital, becoming one of the few non-nurse administrators in the country.
From there, Dick went on to start the hospital’s marketing department and its first social work program. He also saw the beginning of Sioux Valley Hospital as the region’s first Children’s Miracle Network facility and was there for the first telethon.
As he grew in his career, Dick recognized the impact charitable investments could make in advancing care, fueling research and supporting vital programs. He saw the need for more than a fundraising program — he envisioned an organized philanthropic foundation that could accept donations and put charitable gifts to work in impactful ways across the health system for the benefit of patients, families and entire communities.
Unprecedented Success
Since its founding in 1984, the Sanford Health Foundation has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in philanthropic impact across virtually all areas of Sanford Health — made possible by a growing community of donors who invest in our mission. In 2025 alone, their generosity sparked $91 million in impact.
Across our health system today, philanthropy fuels everything we do — supporting lifesaving technology, accelerating research, advancing care and strengthening programs that matter most to patients and families.
Because of philanthropy, in 2025 we were able to reach and care for more patients and residents than ever before:
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- 13,675 births
- 10,613,876 outpatient and clinic visits
- 119,167 admissions
- 378,635 emergency department visits
- 259,122 surgeries and procedures
- 7 million census days across skilled nursing, assisted living and senior living
And it’s all thanks to the vision of Dick Bohy.
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The Sanford Health Foundation exists today because Dick Bohy had the foresight to imagine what was possible and the persistence to make it real. Because of his vision and leadership, philanthropy is now a cornerstone of our health system that allows us to bring health and healing to millions of patients each year. What an incredible legacy of service and success. We are so grateful.
Chief Philanthropy Officer, Sanford Health Foundation
Learn more about Dick’s life and find visitation and funeral information at Miller Funeral Home.