Robert (Bob) John Stoltenburg, Sr., 74, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016, in Dell Rapids, SD, surrounded by his family. His memorial service will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 7, 2016 in the Kahler Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be one hour prior to the start of the service.

Bob was born in Watertown, SD on Aug. 5, 1941, to Julius and Margaret Stoltenburg. He spent his youth in Watertown and quickly developed his love for hunting and fishing with his father. 

He enlisted in the Army in 1958, attending basic training in Fort Carson, CO, and served his first tour in Germany until 1963. While on leave, Bob met his wife of 52 years, Kathryn May Hakes. They were married on Dec. 16, 1963 in Lawton, OK, where Bob was stationed until April, 1965. In April, 1965, Bob was deployed to Germany. In June, 1966, he was sent to GA, for Jungle Training and in Nov. 1966, was deployed to Vietnam. 

Bob returned to the States in 1967, stationed in Fort Hood, TX. In April, 1968, he returned to Vietnam for one more year. He was stationed at Dugway Proving Rounds, UT, upon his return. There, he injured his back and in July 1973, was medically discharged from the Army. Bob and his family then moved back to Watertown, SD, where Bob did various jobs. A Vietnam War Veteran, Bob was awarded the following medals: two Bronze Stars, two Army Commendation Medals, an Army Good Conduct Medal, a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and an Army Rifle Medal.

In Spring of 1979, Bob and his family moved to Pierre, SD, where they bought Sunset Lodge, a hunting and fishing lodge and restaurant north of town on the Missouri River. They spent many years as a family at the lodge before Bob and Kathy sold it in 1990. They then retired near Pierre. Bob spent a majority of his retirement hunting and fishing, babysitting grandkids and doing woodworking projects, including making birdhouses. 

In Spring of 2004, Bob and Kathy moved to Colman, SD where he enjoyed playing cards and watching his favorite football team, the Chicago Bears. Bob loved hosting his kids and grandkids, beating them at Rummy and telling stories. 

Bob is survived by his wife, Kathryn Stoltenburg, children Deborah (Ed) Venard and children, Courtney, Paige, Connor, Austin and Reed, of Murdo; Julie (Dennis) Moore and children Karlee and Carson, of Murdo; Robert Stoltenburg, Jr. and children Kaitlyn, Kayla, Justin and Allison, and friend Lea and son EJ; and Mark (Jill) Stoltenburg and son Hunter, and Mark's son Logan Smith; Sister Judy (Gary) Hopp; Aunt Dorothy Rukstad; Great-Grandson, Alyster Scheel (son of Kaitlyn); and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his step-mother Ruth; one brother James and one sister Barbara Gonzalez. 

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