Frode V.Søndergaard was the first mayor of Sallingsund Municipality, a position he held from 1970-82.
Søndergaard was born in Gørding, the family moved around a lot in the early years and lived on Zealand during Søndergaard’s childhood years. He trained as a dairyman at Dalum Agricultural College. After graduating, Søndergaard became a dairyman in Skjød, before moving to Durup in 1951 as dairy manager, a position he held for more than 20 years. Here he was a force within the dairies and sat on the main board of Danish dairies 1966-70. He left the dairy and the board when he became mayor to devote himself to this position.
His local political influence really started with Durup-Tøndering parish council where he served from 1958-62. After the creation of Sallingsund municipality, Søndergaard ran for a local list, and no one really expected him to become mayor. After an exciting election with three rounds, he was elected. There wasn’t much excitement after that, as Søndergaard had broad support in the subsequent elections he stood for. Several years before the last election, Søndergaard announced that he was no longer running, as he didn’t want council members to be reserved for the old men, but to make room for younger people.
In 1944, Søndergaard married Annie, with whom he had three children, Stig, Helle and Inge. He spent his free time painting and cultivating his garden. Søndergaard’s brother Kurt was also a member of the municipal council in Sallingsund.
Sources
- Skive Folkeblad 24/6-1998, 31/3-1995, 9/12-1989