Father Robert "Bob" Baden

of Ballinger, Texas, formerly of Wall, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, September 12, 2018
at Ballinger Healthcare & Assisted Living in Ballinger, Texas at the age of 79

Robert Douglas Baden was born November 9, 1938, in San Francisco, California to Ewing and Melvina (Moreau) Baden.

In 1958 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and trained at Ft. Ord, California, and Ft. Eustis, Virginia. He served in Tripoli, Libya. Bob was discharged in 1961 with a rank of Spc. 4. He reenlisted for six years and served at the Armed Forces Induction Center in California and later in Vietnam. Stateside he was assigned at Oakland Army Base, California. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sgt. on August 21, 1967.

Bob attended the Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley, California. From 1971 to 1978 he was a member of the U.S. Army Reserve. Bob was ordained a priest on January 6, 1977, at the Church of Ss. Andrew and Joseph in Oakland, California, by the Bishop of Rapid City, Harold J. Dimmerling.

In 1978 he was commissioned as a chaplain in the South Dakota Army National Guard. From 1981-1991, he returned to the Army as a chaplain and served at Ft. Polk, Louisiana, Ft. Riley, Kansas, and two tours in Germany. He was honorably discharged as a captain.

In the Diocese of Rapid he served parishes in Rapid City, Buffalo, Reva, Ralph, Cox, Camp Crook, Bear Butte, Hereford, Lead, Wall, Kadoka, and Interior. He also served as a chaplain at Ft. Meade. Bob retired in 2008, and in 2010 he was invested as a Knight of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem in Kansas City, Kansas.

Survivors include one sister, Barbara (Bill) Liddle of Santa Rosa, California; nephews Bob and Gary Waltenspiel; nieces Jenny (Craig) Olsen and Trina (George) Brennan; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 20, at Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rapid City with Bishop Robert Gruss as celebrant and all the priests at the Rapid City Diocese as con-celebrants.

Interment with military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 21, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Service Details

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Thursday, September 20, 2018 - 7:00 p.m.
Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Rapid City, South Dakota

CELEBRANT
Bishop Robert Gruss

CON-CELEBRANTS
All Priests of the Diocese

ALTAR SERVERS
Cathedral Parishioners

LECTORS
Paula Clark - Roberta Bruhn

MUSIC
Wayne Richards - Pianist
Amber Larson - Cantor
"The Mansions of The Lord"- "I'll Walk With God"
"For All The Saints"- "Here I Am Lord"
"Oh Lord, I Am Not Worthy"- "Seek Ye First"- "Salve Regina"

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
Friday, September 21, 2018 - 10:00 a.m.
Black Hills National Cemetery - Sturgis, South Dakota

Guest Book

Fr. Bob was a huge influence on my life. I led the folk group when he was serving at Blessed Sacrament in Rapid City. His warm spirit, his contemporary theology, and his humanity gave me strength and faith in my life. Godspeed, Fr. Bob!
   ~ Lisa Novak Denver, CO (9/17/2018)
We have great memories of Father Bob and have appreciated the critical role he played in our lives from con-celebrating our marriage ceremony, baptizing our children and visiting and praying for Kevin during his cancer battle. Thank you Father Bob, may you Rest In Peace.
   ~ Kevin & Jody Bielmaier Wall (9/14/2018)
we are sad to take notice that our friend Father Bob died. He was the last priest at the CHAPPlE at the Army Base Flugplatz Goeppingen. He was often in our Burgstueble and he tried to learn German language. Also we visited him in South Dakota, last in 2017. Rest in peace - good friend.
   ~ Stefan and Freimut Hoessle Goeppingen-Schlat, Germany (7/13/2021)
I met Fr. Bob in Baumholder, Germany. My sons served as alter boys when we were there. He helped me thru some difficult times. We shared may laughs and he helped me thru may tears. He was definitely an important person in my life. Rest in Peace Fr. Bob.
   ~ Liz Franca Spanaway, WA (2/12/2019)
We are sorry to hear of Fr. Bob's passing. We enjoyed his sermons and just visiting with him in general. Rest in peace Father.
   ~ Tom and Jackie Shull Wall (9/21/2018)
I am sorry to hear about Father Bob. When I was growing up in Wall I always went visited him and we had some great talks. He will be missed by many.
   ~ Kevin Rapid City,SD (9/14/2018)
Father Bob taught me how to be a real person. When I was an altar boy for him, he instructed me that if they guy next to me falls over, you fall over too. That's the nature of ritual. His humor stays with me even now.
   ~ Michael Gutierres Minneapolis, MN (3/3/2019)
We enjoyed Fr. Bob when he was at St. Therese, Rapid City,SD with Fr.Leo O'Doherty. Fr. Bob's devout Faith was an inspiration to all of us. He is in a better place and we will miss him.
   ~ The Huggins Family Rapid City,SD (9/14/2018)
Father Bob was a dear friend to us. We will miss him dearly. Hoping he is surrounded by beagles and in peac
   ~ Mike and Darlene Brunson South Dakota (9/19/2018)
Sorry to hear of Father Bob's passing. He will be greatly missed. He was a close and dear friend.
   ~ Andrew Eisenbraun Rapid City, SD. (9/20/2018)
Eternal rest grant unto Fr Bob, O Lord, who led me with your Spirity through three years of RCIA, then finally, in God's own time, into the Church. Welcome him into the beatific vision, Lord, in eternal peace. Amen.
   ~ Merrill E Skip Pletcher Jacksonville, FL (4/8/2022)
Always enjoyed your words of wisdom, Father, rest in peace. & may God bless you!

   ~ Rita & Gene Patterson Wall, SD (9/18/2018)
I was Fr. Bob's Chaplains Asst in Baumholder Germany. I will miss him. He was a very positive influence in my life.
   ~ Doug Nichols Eden, NC (1/29/2019)

Flowers

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Richard Mauer and Jean Hunter
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Paul Mauer
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Tony Mauer