Uncle Bob

About a week ago, my cousin, Sarah wrote me a message on FaceBook letting me know that her grandfather, my uncle Bob, had passed away.  I have very fond memories of Bob --his wit, his card tricks, playing countless hands of "99" and his great teasing personality.  Here's to you, Bob--may you rest in peace!

I have copied his obituary from the Eidsness Funeral Home website below.  I also thank the family for postponing the funeral from the original date on Tuesday.  Winter weather havoc would not have allowed me to attend his funeral had the funeral not been rescheduled. 

Robert D. Lorden, age 83, of Elkton, died Friday, January 28, 2011, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Funeral Mass has been postponed to 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 5, 2011, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Elkton, with interment at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitations will precede services at the church on Saturday, beginning at 10:00 A.M.

Robert Dennis Lorden was born on July 16 1927 to Charles and Mary (Zahrobsky) Lorden on the Lorden homestead in Richland Township, Brookings County, South Dakota. He was raised on the family farm and attended country school District 48 in Richland Township graduating from the 8th grade. Bob then worked on his family farm until he joined the United States Navy in 1951. Bob served aboard the destroyer USS Wadleigh and obtained the rank of Petty Officer First Class during the Korean Conflict. Bob sailed around the world twice during his tour of duty and was very proud of his years of service to his country and the many memories and experiences he gained during that time. Following his honorable discharge from the United States Navy in 1955 he returned to the family farm where he continued to farm. He met and later married Audrey Blomgren on June 25, 1960, in Elkton SD and they had two children, Charles and Diane. Bob and Audrey formed a cattle and farming partnership with Ervin and Grace Kurtz which lasted until Bob and Audrey’s retirement in 1998. Bob enjoyed many activities; he was an avid hunter and trapper, he enjoyed fishing, playing cards and pool, photography, and he was a master at card tricks. He was a Minnesota Twins fan attended the 1965 World Series. He continued his education during adulthood in electronics and he became a certified EMT.

Bob served for 6 years on the Elkton Farmers Union Co-Op Board of Directors, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a member of the Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Elkton, SD and the St. Thomas Moore Parish in Brookings ,SD. Bob and Audrey traveled after retirement to the southwest and enjoyed their travels around the country meeting new people and renewing old friendships. Bob enjoyed sharing his military experiences with others, especially fellow veterans. He was an active member of Elkton Legion Post 198 and served for many years on Post 198’s Color and Honor Guards.

Bob is survived by his son Chuck, his wife Carol, and their children, Cameron and Cierra, of Elkton, SD, his daughter Diane Smith-Opbroek her husband Gene of Pickstown SD, her children Sara Smith of Pierre SD and Chris Smith of Watertown SD. He was preceded in death by his wife Audrey, his parents, sister Katherine, brother James and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.