Quick Facts
Biography
Gregory J. Stoltenburg (born 1962) is the presiding judge of the Third Judicial Circuit in South Dakota. He was appointed by Governor Dennis Daugaard in October 2012 to replace David Gienapp. Stoltenburg took office after Gienapp's retirement on January 1, 2013. He was re-elected in 2014 for a term that expires in 2022.
In April 2015, Stoltenburg was appointed presiding judge of the court by Chief Justice David Gilbertson.
Early life and education
Born in Clear Lake, South Dakota, Stoltenburg earned a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Business and Commercial Economics from South Dakota State University in May 1984. Stoltenburg joined the South Dakota Army National Guard (SDARNG) in 1981, and served on active duty in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. He also volunteered for service following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Legal career
Stoltenburg attended the University of South Dakota School of Law, graduating with Sterling honors in 1995. Following graduation, he worked as a law clerk for Justice John K. Konenkamp of the South Dakota Supreme Court before returning to his hometown of Clear Lake in 1996 to practice law. Stoltenburg has also continued his service in the SDARNG as a Judge Advocate, and is currently a Lieutenant Colonel. In addition to his private practice, Stoltenburg was Deuel County deputy state’s attorney from 1996 to 2000, and has served as state’s attorney since he was first elected in 2000.
He was appointed by Governor Dennis Daugaard in October 2012 to replace David Gienapp. Stoltenburg took office after Gienapp's retirement on January 1, 2013. He was re-elected in 2014 for a term that expires in 2022. In April 2015, Stoltenburg was appointed presiding judge of Third Circuit. After being appointed to the circuit bench, Stoltenburg has sat on the South Dakota Supreme Court bench lieu Justice John K. Konenkamp, whom he had clerked for, on a number of cases.
Personal life
Stoltenburg is a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Clear Lake and is involved in many community organizations and events. He and his wife, Lynn, have five children.