Robert Kothe

Robert “Bob” Erling Kothe was born Feb. 14, 1941, to Martin and Grace (Seibert) Kothe, in Sioux Falls, S.D. The Kothe family relocated to Custer, S.D., when Bob was just 4 years old. He attended school in Custer and graduated in 1959. He went on to further his education at the Yankton (S.D.) College and University of South Dakota where he was a member of the ROTC.
Bob met his loving wife Donna in the fall of 1960. They would later go on to marry Aug. 19, 1961, in Luverne, Minn. While living in Sioux Falls Bob worked for Sioux Steel before moving to Custer. They welcomed their first child, Kelly Ann, in February 1963 and their second child, Richard Robert, in July of 1965.
Bob’s career consisted of banking and insurance work with Custer County Bank. He then went on to purchase the Custer County Insurance Agency in 1977.
Bob was an active member in the Custer community. He held many memberships to include Jaycees, Lions Club, President of the Southern Hills Shriners Club, Past Master of the Custer City Lodge No. 66, associate guardian of Job's Daughters, member and treasurer of the Custer Volunteer Fire Department and a member of the Custer Community Church for over 50 years.
Bob played a large part in helping to rebuild Rocky Knolls Golf Course greens. He was an avid hunter in his younger years and loved getting together with his buddies at hunting camp, where his nickname was Budweiser. Bob and Donna spent many winters in McAllen, Texas.
He had an unwavering love for his family and friends. Anyone who knew Bob knows how important his grandchildren and “granddogs” were to him. Bob and Donna most recently celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary.
Bob passed away with his family by his side at Monument Health Custer Hospital Oct. 10, 2021. He was 80.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Grace Kothe; and aunt and uncle, George and Mildred Vandel.
Bob is survived by his wife, Donna (Shierk) Kothe of Custer; children, Kelley Bugenhagen of Sioux Falls and Rick (Angela) of Custer; grandchildren, Tanner (Donny) Bugenhagen of Sherman Oaks Calif., Ashley Jobe of Custer and Shiann (Grady) Peterson of Rapid City, SD.
On Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. at Custer Cemetery there will be a graveside service to include Masonic rites. A memorial service will follow at Rocky Knolls Golf Course at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been designated to Shriner’s Hospital, Custer VFD, Monument Health Custer Hospital Healing Garden.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer.