Robert Ahlman

Funeral service for Bob Ahlman were held on Monday, September 11, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Winner Methodist Church in Winner, SD.

Burial was in the Colome City Cemetery in Colome, SD. Mason Funeral Home in Winner, SD, was in charge of arrangements.

Robert (Bob) Eldon Ahlman was born on September 8, 1928, to Albert and Roberta (Wygal) Ahlman.

Bob’s life was marked by gentleness, love, and unwavering commitment to his family and community. He spent his formative years on the family ranch alongside his older brother, Gene. He received his education at Clairmont Country School and graduated from Colome High School in 1948. Following graduation, Bob joined the National Guard, actively contributing for several years.

In March of 1950, Bob married JoAnn Harter, and together they embarked on a 72-year journey. To this union, four daughters were born: Peggy Ann, Glenda Lee, Susan Jean, and Lori Jane.

Bob was not just a model family man; he was also a fabricator. There was no piece of machinery that he couldn’t fix, earning him the trust and respect of countless farmers and ranchers throughout south-central South Dakota. In 1973, he and JoAnn decided to start a new chapter in their lives, selling their acreage to open Bob’s Machine Shop in Colome. However, even with their move to town, Bob never strayed too far from his roots, traveling back to the family farm each weekend to help his brother Gene.

Bob was a member of the South Dakota Welders Association, demonstrating his commitment to his craft. He served his community as the mayor of Colome, and as a volunteer firefighter, and attended and served at the United Methodist Church. His life was a testament to the values of faith, hard work, humility, and family.

In his spare time, Bob found joy in reading, hunting, solving puzzles, and teaching his grandkids to play checkers. He relished Sunday drives on dirt roads and the simple pleasure of a hearty meal, followed by sweet tea and dessert. Bob had a passion for sharing his knowledge of machines and interests in history and geography with those around him.

Robert Ahlman, age 94, of Colome, SD, passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2023, at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Facility in Winner, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Roberta Ahlman; brother, Eugene (Gene) Ahlman; wife, JoAnn (Harter) Ahlman; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is survived by his daughters Peggy Soper, Glenda Simer, Susan (Rob) Saunders, and Lori Haukaas; thirteen grandchildren including: Eric Brown, Danta (Barry) Simonson, Crystal Allen, Allissa (Alex) Gurnsey, Chris (Michelle) Sachtjen, Connor (Cassie) Sachtjen, Beth Larsen, Bonnie (Ken Harkins) Saunders, Erica (Ivan) Beck, Jacque Haukaas, Lacey Brubaker, Paige Haukaas, and Peter (Cheyenne) Haukaas; twenty-six great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.