Robert Rose

Funeral services for Robert Rose, 97, of Eagle Butte were held March 1, 2022 at United Church of Christ in Eagle Butte. Burial was in the Eagle Butte Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge.

Robert passed away peacefully at home after a wonderful evening with family, on Sunday, February 20, 2022.

Robert Roy Rose was born to Forrest Earl and Rolena Alida (Berghius) Rose in Dewey County on November 24, 1924.

Robert attended Parker School, south of the Cheyenne River Bridge, where they lived. He graduated from Eagle Butte High School in 1941.

After graduating, Robert worked for a year for the Diamond A Cattle Company, and then was drafted on October 3, 1944 at the age of 19. He served on the mine sweeper YMS45/57 and 408. He was honorably discharged from the service October 24, 1946.

After discharge he worked for Chris Mortenson and Mortenson’s garage in Eagle Butte.

On August 18, 1948 he married Jean Valorie Simon. Soon after their wedding, they moved to the current ranch, located near Green Grass. Bob and Jean were blessed with four daughters and a son whom they raised on the ranch.

Robert continued ranching for 40 years before “retiring” on the land he worked. Robert and Jean enjoyed married life for nearly 60 years until Jean succumbed to her declining health. After her passing, Robert focused on remaining involved in day-to-day operations of the ranch. He enjoyed riding the range on his favorite horse, Wrangler, well into his 90’s. When he could no longer ride he continued to survey the ranch in his Jeep. Robert was known for being an excellent historian and enjoyed conversation with family and friends until the end of his life.

Robert was a lifelong member of the UCC Church as well as a member of the original Tri-County Water Board. He was a 60-year member of Eagle Butte Masonic Lodge #172, serving as secretary/treasurer for many years.

Robert is survived by his five children: Verna (Ed) Carnes, Good Year AZ, Danialle (Tom Ghost Dog) Rose, Hot Springs; Nina (Jim) Craig, Hillsboro, TX, Dawn (Mike) Chavanu, Kearney, NE, and Joe (Bev) Rose, Eagle Butte; 11 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sister-in-law Marilyn Rose, Iowa City, IA; cousins Paul Stradinger of Isabel, Alice Smith of Rapid City, and Mary Titsworth of California; and special friend Mary Harris of Mitchell, whom he enjoyed many hours of conversation with.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife Jean; his parents, Forrest and Lena; brother Earl (“Pood”); son-in-law Sidney Schad; and two infant grandchildren, Erin Elizabeth and Derrick Wade. (Danialle Rose’s address is 1738

(Danialle Rose’s address is 1738 Albany Ave., Hot Springs, SD 57747.)