SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - Officials and businesses in Sioux Falls are bracing for hundreds - if not thousands - of people to descend on South Dakota's largest city to honor the life of former U.S. Sen. and one-time presidential hopeful George McGovern.

McGovern, who lost a 1972 presidential bid to Richard M. Nixon, died Sunday at a Sioux Falls hospice. He was 90.

A prayer service will be held on Thursday at First United Methodist Church. Funeral services are Friday afternoon at the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Sciences.

Tiffany Semmler is the manager of Minervas Restaurant, located just blocks from the funeral site.

She says the restaurant is preparing for a large crowd Friday afternoon and evening by scheduling at least one additional server and cook during the shift.

US Presidential Candidates Richard Nixon (L) and George McGovern
(Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)
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(FILE PHOTO) In this composite image a comparison has been made between former US Presidential Candidates Richard Nixon (L) and George McGovern. In 1972  Richard Nixon won the presidential election to become the President of the United States for a second term. ***LEFT IMAGE***  1952:  American Vice-Presidential candidate Richard Nixon (1913 - 1994) during the New Hampshire Presidential Primary smiles on July 11, 1952.

Senator George McGovern (right) and his running mate Senator Thomas Eagleton
(Photo by Anthony Korody/Getty Images)
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The Democratic Party presidential nominee Senator George McGovern (right) and his running mate Senator Thomas Eagleton during their campaign for election. Eagleton made American political history when he withdrew from the Democratic Party ticket after revelations about electric shock treatment he had received for bouts of mental illness.

George McGovern
(Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)
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The American Democratic politician, Senator George McGovern, during his campaign to secure the Democratic Party nomination for the presidential elections.  He is backed by many followers of the late Senator Robert Kennedy.

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