Robert "Bob" Holcomb

of Long Valley, South Dakota, died on Monday, September 3, 2018
at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 88

Robert M. Holcomb joined his Lord and Savior on September 3, 2018. He passed quickly and peacefully after a very short period in the hospital.

Robert, better known as "Bob" by his family and friends, was born November 16, 1929 the only child to Daniel J. and Selma A. (Waloch) Holcomb. He attended several rural one room schools where his mother taught. He finished his elementary preparation at Harding Elementary School in LongValley. Robert continued his education by attending high school in Kadoka from 1943-1947. He participated in any possible sport available and enjoyed every one of them.

Bob enlisted in the Air Force in 1951 during the Korean War and served until 1955 primarily in England. He attended training in Texas and enrolled in East Texas Teachers College to finish his preparation for military assignment. Upon completion of his training he was shipped out to England.

Robert met the love of his life and carried on a long distance relationship through an avid letter writing campaign while he was in the military service. Bob was united in marriage to Wanda Thomsen on December 30, 1955. They began their married life in LongValley where Robert started a business operating a Standard Oil Service Station. A daughter Janice was born in 1957 and a son Jeff in 1960.

Throughout his adult life Robert raised cattle as well as ran his service station. In 1981 he closed the station and began ranching full time upon the retirement of his father. His dedication to ranching and cattle production as a stock grower occupied his life for the past 37 years.

Grateful for having shared his life are his daughter Janice Fitzgerald and her husband Dean of LongValley; his son Jeff Holcomb and his wife Robyn of Sioux Falls; his grandchildren Andy (Jennie), Beth (Shaun), Amanda (Rusty), Abby (Scott), Laurel, Elise, and Lily; six great-grandchildren Max, Lucy, Eli, Olivia, Ben, and Owen; two sisters-in-law Vera Scharman and Mary Thomsen; five nieces and two nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife Wanda; his parents; three brothers-in-laws Allen Thomsen, Bert Thomsen, and Frankie Scharman; and one sister-in-law Mickie Thomsen.

A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, September 7, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 8, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka.

Interment with military honors will follow at the Kadoka Cemetery.

Service Details

VISITATION
Friday, September 7, 2018 - 6-8 p.m.
Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church
Kadoka, South Dakota

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Saturday, September 8, 2018 - 11:00 a.m.
Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church
Kadoka, South Dakota

CLERGY
Father Tyler Dennis

MUSIC
JoAnne Stilwell - Pianist
Brittany Drury - Vocalist
“Holy God We Praise Thy Name”
“How Great Thou Art”
“Here I Am Lord”
“I Am The Bread of Life”
“Song of Farewell”
“Be Not Afraid”

USHERS
Bob Zickrick - Sonny Zickrick

READER
Diane Hogen

PALLBEARERS
Paul Gropper - Tom Zickrick - Joe Stoddard
Scott Huber - Scott Bauman - Reed Richardson

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota

Guest Book

Jeff, Robyn and family - my sympathies to you in the loss of your father.
   ~ Connie Colwill Sioux Falls, SD (9/7/2018)
I was so saddened to hear of Bob's passing. I have so many fond memories of him when our family would go to Bob's gas station in Long Valley. Bob always had a smile on his face. I remember him always wearing gloves (made a big impression as I always wear gloves when working outside...didn't want my hands to turn out like my dad's :) Later, as a grown-up and visiting my parents, I remember Bob coming over to play cribbage with my Dad. Bob truly was a wonderful man. He will be greatly missed.
   ~ Roberta Coller Kendall, WI (9/5/2018)
Janice, Jeff and Families,
Thoughts and prayers sent your ways!! Have enjoyed seeing Bob coming out to the Sunset Grill for coffee and meals here lately. Will miss seeing and visiting with him. Cherish the memories!!

   ~ Jean C Holzkamp Kadoka (9/5/2018)
Deepest condolences to the Holcomb family and friends for the loss of your loved one Robert. Very soon Jesus Christ will resurrect the loved ones we have lost in death back to life Acts 24:15; John 5: 28, 29, right here on a brand new Paradise Earth no more sickness pain or death Life Without End Revelation 21:1-5.
   ~ Sacramenta Landrum Bklyn N.Y. (9/5/2018)
Sending hugs and prayers to the family. Bob was a sweet man. He will be deeply missed. So sorry for your loss. Condolences to the family.
   ~ Julie Moses Brown Fairmont Nebraska (9/5/2018)
Thinking of you all today......wish I could have been with you. Love to all
   ~ Joni thomsen Rapid city (9/8/2018)
So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. When I was a little girl I can remember going with my Dad to have tires fixed at the station. I remember how friendly Bob was then. In later years, when I worked at Gas and Go in Kadoka, he would stop in on his way to Jigger's to eat some lunch. I loved visiting with him. He had such an enthusiasm for life. It always brightened up my day to visit with him. Sending your family prayers of peace and strength during this time.
   ~ Rhonda Vogelgesang (9/4/2018)
Janice, Our sincere sympathy to you and all of Bob's family.
   ~ Don and Jolene Haynes Philip, SD (9/5/2018)
Janice, Jeff and families, I remember as a youngster Dad didn*t let us tag along to Bob^s very often but when we could your Dad-Grandpa always make our day special. As years passed and paths crossed Bob always had time to visit and share stories of us Robbins kids. My the Lord hold you in the comfort of his arms
   ~ Linda Robbins Riggins Kadoka,S.D. (9/7/2018)
Condolences to the family...
   ~ Dave Livermont (9/5/2018)
Janice and family, was sorry to hear of your dads passing. It was a blessing you were able to spend such quality time with him in the last few years, I am sure it meant a lot. He had a special sweet tooth and was so happy to share it. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
   ~ Glen & Rose Bennett Philip, SD (9/5/2018)
Thanks for serving
   ~ A Veteran (9/5/2018)
My condolences to the family. I remember stopping at the gas station in Long Valley with my grandmother when there were several businesses.
   ~ Percetta Red Willow Wanblee, SD (9/5/2018)
Janice and family,
We are so sorry about the loss of your dad. Prayers to you all.

   ~ Duane & J'Nai Hauk Quinn, SD (9/5/2018)
Janice and Dean. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time
   ~ Jay and Elke Baxter Philip South Dakota (9/5/2018)
Dear Family, Sorry for your loss. Always remember stopping in at the gas station as a little girl when we would come out to Martin area. May god give you comfort and peace.
   ~ Sherry Soukup-Neuharth Yankton, SD (9/7/2018)
So sorry to hear about your loss of a special person

   ~ Amelia Hurley Mike livermont Belvidere (9/11/2018)
Jeff---I am sorry to learn that you've lost your Dad: the rancher from Long Valley! I am sending sincere sympathy to you and Robin and the granddaughters.
   ~ Karon L Schaack Rapid City SD (9/6/2018)
I'm so sorry for your loss. I've known Bob all my life. I remember Mom would stop there after dropping my brothers and sisters off at school. I was shy but Bob always picked on me. He would tease me and make me laugh. Every once in a while, he would buy me an orange pop! Bob always had a smile and was friendly. When he would visit Mom and Dad, he would play cribbage with Dad. It was fun to watch the two of them joke with each other! He will truly be missed.
   ~ Barbara Coller Rokke Maplewood, MN (9/5/2018)
Bob was a big part of our whole families life and he will be missed greatly
   ~ Julia Robbins Gardner FT Collins, Colo (9/4/2018)
Jeff, I am sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I want to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you, your sister and all the family.
Scott Hipple

   ~ Scott Hipple Pierre, SD (9/4/2018)
So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was always such a cheerful man. He had a soft spot for kids, my grandson loved going to see his "Buddy" Bob in the nursing home. He will be missed by all who have had the pleasure of meeting him. Prayers to the family.
   ~ Ellie (Brown) Bettelyoun Rushville, NE (9/5/2018)
Dear Janice, Dean and family,
Our sympathy to you all in the loss of your Dad. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

   ~ Glenn and Rita O'Connell Philip (9/5/2018)
Thinking of you at this difficult time.
   ~ Kari Porch Pierre (9/9/2018)
Janice, My sympathy to you and your family. I remember some fun stories you would tell about growing up! You will have some wonderful memories to comfort you.
   ~ Kim Laber Sturgis SD (9/5/2018)

Flowers

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Scott Hipple, Rex Craven, and Debra Bollinger
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Glenn and Dianne Parsons and the American National Insurance Crew
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Dakota Country Pharmacy
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Family - from Great-Grandchildren
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Family - from the Grandchildren
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Mike and Shar Moses
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West River Excavation and Crew
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Jim and Kathy Rock, Brandon and Sanna Rock and Family, Brice Rock and Family, and Bailey and Preston Patterson and Family
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Jim and Debbie Antonsen and Family
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The Jackson County Commissioners - Larry Denke, Glen Bennett, Ken Graupmann, Jeff Page, and Brett Prang
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Border States Electric
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Bonnie and Shawn, Brock and Brittany and Family, and Scott and LeeAnna and Family
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Vera Scharman, Scott and Sandy Huber and Boys, and Matt and Karen Disney and Jake
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Cathie and Family
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Bill and Deb Gropper and Family, Dick and Mary Gropper and Family, Lois and Roger Porch and Family, Paul and Brenda Gropper and Family, and Arla and Scott Patterson and Family
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Debra Bollinger
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Owen and Bonnie, Kassidy and Kwincy, Tayta, Branden and Family, and Josh and Kyler
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Brian and Heather Hanson and Family