September 14, 1938 – October 31, 2022
Robert Gipp, 84, of Ft. Yates, ND passed away Monday, October 31, 2022, at Missouri Slope Care Center in Bismarck, ND. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Fort Yates on November 7, 2022. Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge was in charge of arrangements.
Robert “RG” “Bob” Francis Gipp was born on September 14,1938 to Francis “Bud” Gipp and Margaret Halsey. He was the second oldest of four brothers. He was raised in Fort Yates and graduated in 1957 from Fort Yates High School. Robert played basketball for the Fort Yates Warriors and his team went on to win the 1956 ND State B Boys Basketball Championship his junior year in high school. After graduating high school, he attended Ellendale Teachers College, and received his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.
In 1959 Robert married Lonna (Dunn) Gipp and together they had four children. They were married for 62 years.
Robert’s first years of teaching were in Sawyer, ND. He then relocated his family to Pine Ridge in 1962, where he was the Industrial Arts teacher as well as a basketball and crosscountry coach for the Pine Ridge Thorpes. Over the years he led his cross country team to win three SD State A Championships.
In 1970, Robert returned home with his family to Fort Yates and began working with the Bureau of Higher Education. Education was always an important aspect in Robert’s life. In 1971 he started his second career of ranching. He started out with 10 head of cattle and 19 horses, which would eventually expand to many more. In his spare time he enjoyed participating in local roping events where he picked up the nickname “RG.” Robert continued with his horse and cattle operation for 50 years before hanging up his rope and spurs.
He replaced his father, Bud Gipp, as a member of the board of directors and chairman for Mor-Gran-Sou Electric Cooperative in 1976 and continued serving for 26 years. At this same time, he actively participated in the creation of Sitting Bull College in Fort Yates. Robert worked at the Sitting Bull College for 39 years with titles of board member of trustees, chairman of the board of trustees and acting president.
Robert was a founding participant in the Standing Rock Chief ’s Ride and a supporting participant of the Wounded Knee Massacre Big Foot Ride. He was an avid supporter of the NO DAPL movement and enjoyed spending time at the Oceti Sakowin camp.
He continued advocating for higher education and attending rodeos, ropings, horse races, memorial rides, branding, and checking cows. He was a strong man with a good heart, humble, and firm in his beliefs. He had gift a for striking up conversation and enjoyed visiting with everyone.
Robert is survived by his wife Lonna (Dunn) Gipp of Fort Yates; brother Gerald (Ginny) Gipp of Alexandria, VA; daughters Sandra L. Gipp of Mobridge and Andrea Gipp of Fort Yates; son Zane Gipp of Fort Yates; grandchildren: Chenoa Gipp, Nicole Gipp, Brittany Gipp, Shayla Means, Lyndon (Charlotte) Dwarf, Dillon Means, Thomas Dunn, and Charles Dunn; great-grandchildren: Evony Gipp, Dreux Kidder, Meadow Lawrence, Dominicc Kidder, Jaydon Dwarf, Abel Dunn, Lynnaya Dwarf, Ridge Takes The Knife, and Orion Dunn.
He is preceded in death by his parents Francis “Bud” and Margaret (Halsey) Gipp; grandparents Jesse and Josephine (Zahn) Pleets, Albert Gipp, Louis and Christine (Iron Eyes) Halsey; brothers Francis Gipp Jr, David Gipp, Miles Gipp; sister Josephine “Sister Girl” Buffalo Boy; grandson Clancy J. Gipp; Hunka daughter Loretta Kidder; and loyal canine “Stub.”