Robert Sperl

Funeral services for Robert Sperl were held on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Congregational Church in Gregory, SD, with Pastor Scott McClellen officiating. Music was provided by Geoff Smith and recorded music. Kimberly Veskrna and Kathy Svoboda were in charge of registration. Casket bearers were Allen Veskrna, Michael Veskrna, Joe Svoboda, Jim Mikkelsen, Dave Dobesh, Joel Bartling, DJ Steffen, and Joe Duling. Honorary pallbearers were Ella Sperl, Morrie Gilkerson, Sully Sperl, and Sawyer Sperl. Burial was in the Czech National Cemetery in Gregory, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Robert Edward Sperl was born March 31, 1953, to Bob Sr. and Lyla (LaFave) Sperl in Burke, SD, and passed away at the Avera Gregory Hospital on February 16, 2024. He was the oldest of four siblings and grew up on the family farm north of Burke. During his childhood years he worked very closely with his grandpa Ed Sperl and developed his love for the land.

Bob attended Woidneck Country School through his eighth grade year. That school now resides on the family homestead. Bob attended Gregory High School and graduated in 1971.

Bob was united in marriage to Penny Salzmann on September 24, 1975. They raised their family on his grandparent’s farm which was also their permanent home for the rest of his life. They welcomed their first born Bobbi Jo on May 10, 1978, and baby brother Jon Edward on April 11, 1980.

He continued working on the farm his whole life with his family. Bob was proud to say the Sperl homestead is one of the 100 year + farms in Gregory County and a six generational farm. He brought in his final harvest this past year alongside his son Jon and his ten-year-old grandson Sully running the grain cart. We were all looking forward to seeing him hook up his brand new John Deere tractor to the planter for this upcoming planting season.

Bob served his community on the Tripp County Water Board for 38 years. He was instrumental in getting water distributed to the Gregory County area in the early years of this board. Bob also served on numerous other boards, such as the Cenex Rosebud Farmers Union and Gregory County Zoning Board. Right or wrong, he spoke his peace, as some would say.

Bob was an avid collector of John Deere tractors (big and small). He had a room in their home dedicated to just collector John Deere toy tractors. He was looking forward to his newly painted green and yellow room that he and Penny had just built to officially display his collection.

Anyone who knew Bob, knew he was proud of his family. His grandchildren grew up hearing him say numerous times that he “was the luckiest Grandpa on Earth”. He was their teacher, their protector, and their biggest cheerleader. He loved attending the many sporting events and activities of both his children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents Ed and Ethel Sperl and Albert (Bus) LaFave and Emma Luke; brother Rod; and nephew Ryan Ames.

Bob is survived by his wife Penny and children: Bobbi Gilkerson and son Morrie of Pierre, SD, and Jon (Sarah) Sperl and children Ella, Sully, and Sawyer, of Gregory, SD.