Cecile Irene Welch Sexauer was born on January 18, 1888, in Huron, South Dakota, to Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Welch. The family moved to Arlington, South Dakota, and later to Brookings in 1903. Cecile graduated from Brookings High School and South Dakota State College and attended the Boston Conservatory of Music for one year. She taught piano at South Dakota State College and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Brookings, where she played piano and organ for about 25 years. Cecile was actively involved in music organizations at the local, state, and national levels, including serving as president of the National Music Organization. She was also a member of the BA chapter of PEO and the Sorosis Club. Cecile passed away on October 7, 1973, at Brookings Hospital, after being hospitalized for four weeks.

Elmer Harrison Sexauer was born on July 13, 1888, in Winona, Minnesota, to George P. and Elisa (Ulrich) Sexauer. The family moved to Volga, South Dakota in 1891 and later to Brookings, where Elmer attended public schools and South Dakota State College. In 1911, he joined his father in managing The Sexauer Company. Elmer served in the U.S. Army during World War I and held leadership roles in several organizations, including president of the SD Seed Dealers Association, the Western Seedsmen Association, the American Seed Trade Association, and the National Grain and Feed Association. He was also involved with the Board of Directors of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, First Bank Systems, and Northwestern Bell Telephone. Elmer received the Distinguished Service Award from the University of South Dakota for his business achievements. He was a member of Gamma Sigma Phi at SDSU, the Brookings Masonic Lodge No. 24, and the El Riad Shrine. Elmer retired in 1977 as chairman of The Sexauer Company, which had offices in Brookings, Des Moines, West Fargo, and Norfolk. He passed away on November 15, 1986.