Robert "Bob" C. O'Brien

Robert "Bob" C. O'Brien, 85, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2024 at his home under hospice care surrounded by his family. His Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 6, 2024 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Dell Rapids. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home with the Christian Wake Service beginning at 7:00 p.m.  

Robert “Bob” C. O’Brien was born on December 4, 1938 in Dell Rapids, SD, to Robert W. and Cecilia (Weinacht) O’Brien. He was the oldest of 5 children. He lived with his family near Ellis, SD. He attended Ellis Grade School followed by Cathedral High School in Sioux Falls where he graduated in 1956. He then enlisted in the US Air Force until he was honorably discharged in December of 1960. He married Peggy Koch on October 13, 1962 and from this union they had 4 children. The couple made their home in Sioux Falls until moving to Dell Rapids in 1964 where he continued to live his entire life. Bob started farming and then went to school to be an electrician. He worked for a short time for Schwebach Electric in Dell Rapids before he became a member of IBEW Electrical Workers Union in Sioux Falls. He worked there for 27 years before retiring. As the kids were growing up Bob worked Friday nights at the West Sioux Roller Rink where he took his kids skating every Friday night. In retirement Bob and Peggy spent winters camping down south for 20+ years where they were able to spend time with their daughter Cathy and her family at the campground. He made many friends from various states and was known for helping out other campers with any needs that arose. He was famous for being known as the guy who created amazing woodworking projects in his campsite.

Bob enjoyed watching westerns, hunting, fishing, woodworking, doing jigsaw puzzles, playing Dominos and cards, suduko, crossword puzzles, dancing and most of all loved to travel with Peggy. He loved his cats, Rascal and Boots. Rascal was with him to the end.

He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and the IBEW Electrical Union.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Nick and Lona Koch, his infant sisters, his brothers, Jerry and Don, his sister, Lois Zimmer and his brother-in-law, Gene Zimmer.
Bob is survived by his wife of 61 years, Peggy of Dell Rapids, his children, Deb Jaskot (Dave Palli) of Dell Rapids, Cathy (Bryan) Reed of Montgomery, TX, Suzie (Steve) Ahles of West Salem, WI and Bobby O’Brien of Dell Rapids; his 9 grandchildren, Kelly, Kim, Michael, Phillip, Zach, Emi, Samantha, Brady and Kendall, 8 great-grandchildren, Leighton, Keegan, Kinzley, Trinity, Malia, Marli, Malcolm and Wynslow,  his sister, Vernie (Ron) Feldhaus of Bloomington, MN and his extended family and friends.

The family ask that you wear green, blue or plaid in Bob’s honor.

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