Robert Dykeman

A memorial service for Robert Dykeman was held on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory, SD, with Reverend Thanael Certa-Werner officiating. Music was provided by Steve and Lisa Mayer, and Robert’s grandchildren, vocalists. Karen Martin was in charge of registration. Honorary urn bearers were Benjamin Smith, Nicholas Smith, Nathan Smith, Emily (Smith) Vitek, Elly (Smith) Daisy, and Curt Jorgenson. Inurnment was in the Colome City Cemetery in Colome, SD with military honors by the Colome Legion and the National Honors team. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Robert (Bob) Allen Dykeman was born on July 5, 1941, in Winner, SD, to Earl and Mabel (Redies) Dykeman. He was the youngest of six siblings, the only one to be born in a hospital. Bob was raised on a farm south of Colome, SD. He attended school in Colome, graduating in 1959. Bob was the quarterback for the Colome Cowboys, winning the state title his senior year. While in high school he participated in track, basketball, and baseball.

Robert’s father Earl died when Robert was 17 years old. He and his mother remained on the family farm until he graduated high school. He then attended USD in Vermillion, SD, and Huron College in Huron, SD, studying business and participating in track at the collegiate level. After college he worked for Sherwin Williams, various insurance companies, and later owned his own insurance company. Bob enlisted in the Army National Guard during this time. He was stationed in Ft. Riley, KS, with friend Les Keever and later stationed in Ord, CA.

In 1963, Bob married Carol Cerny. To this union one child, Leslie Jo, was born. The family lived in Huron, SD. After college he worked for Sherwin Williams, various insurance companies, and later owned his own insurance company.

Bob was a member of the Huron Elks Club for over 30 years, and a member of the Huron Country Club for many years, where he taught summer group golf lessons to many children. He was an avid golfer, winning many golf tournaments around the state with his golf buddies. He obtained a hole in one four times during his golf career. Bob enjoyed playing cribbage for hours. He bowled in several bowling leagues for many years, having bowled two perfect 300 games. He loved to play cards, and was a sports fanatic, enjoying any type of sports event. He was always up for a bet. He loved driving big blue to the casino to play Texas Hold-em.

Robert passed away on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at the age of 82 years. He was living in Mesa, AZ, at the time of his passing. He lived most of his adult life in Huron, SD.

Bob is survived by his daughter Leslie Smith (significant other Tom), of Shakopee, MN; five grandchildren: Benjamin Smith, Yankton, SD, Nicholas Smith, Pierre, SD, Nathan Smith, Burke, SD, Emily Vitek (Derek), Yankton, SD, Elly Daisy (Jerrod), Yankton, SD; six greatgrandchildren; sister Marlene Schlaht (Larry), Omaha, NE; brother Ray Dykeman (Pat), Sioux Falls, SD; sister-in-law Mary Ann Dykeman, Los Angeles, CA; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a special friend Phyllis Deis.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father Mabel and Earl Dykeman; sister and brother-in-law Bernita and Sherwin “Nick” Carter; sister Betty Dykeman; brother Harold Dykeman; and nephew Thomas Dykeman.