Robert "Bob" McCormick, age 95, passed away Monday, January 12, in the tender care of staff from Scotchman Living Center and Philip Health Services.

Robert “Bob” Earl McCormick was born August 17, 1930, in the Philip Hospital the second son of Earl and Pearl (Jenks) McCormick. He joined an older brother William Ronald born February 1929 with a younger brother, Donald Floyd, born in March 1938. In November of 1929 his parents and brother, Ronald, moved from Mitchell, South Dakota to a claim 2 ½ miles north of Kadoka. Growing up in the 30’s was no easy task and Bob learned how to work hard at a young age. There was haying to do, cows to milk, and cattle to take care of and he helped with it all. The land his dad acquired is still being operated by the family. He always went to school in town riding a horse across the country for many years. In high school, he participated in football, basketball, and track as he was very fast! Bob was a member of the graduating class of 1948.

He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Ardis Brugman on November 13, 1951, and they were together 72 years when Ardis passed in February 2024. Bob was drafted into the Army and left for training to Ft. Knox, Kentucky, then sent on to Korea. He was a tank driver and often spoke about how cold it was that first winter. Bob was there when the peace treaty was signed on July 27, 1953, and later discharged in November 1953.

Coming back from his service, the girls started to arrive. Marcia Lynn in November 1955, Barbara Jo November 1957, and Nancy Sue November 1959. In 1956, he purchased the farm from his parents and moved the family there. He spent a lot of time fixing up and keeping the buildings in good condition.

Bob was very good at training horses and other animals. In later years he trained several teams of horses to pull in competitions and drive in parades and not to be outdone, trained his beloved steer Joker to ride and rode him in many events. Bob was very proud of the Buffalo Stampede organization of which he was the first president back in 1974. The rodeo and organization in some form have continued with updated facilities and events.

In his so-called “retirement” years, he kept busy going to and enjoying grandchildren then greats to support them in their various interests. Bob and Ardis moved to town and the last few years were spent in the Scotchman Living Center where their caring staff helped him with health needs and listened to his Joker stories. With such a long life, he witnessed many changes, some were hard to adjust to, but all led to a well-lived life.

Survivors include three daughters: Marcia McCormick of Kadoka who has the family farm, Barbara Petoske of Sioux Falls, and Nancy (Marv) Majerus of Buffalo, Wyoming; eight grandchildren: Lucas (Hayli) Mayfield, Lacey Mayfield, Kory (April) Petoske, Kevin (Emily) Petoske, Lori (Nick) Yunker, Amy (Jordan) Miller, Ryan Majerus, and Andrea (Brandon) Jackson; 17 great-grandchildren: Raegan, Hadli, and Rowan Mayfield, Reese, Alexis, Gavin, and Sam Petoske, Evalyn, Eric, and Lily Miller, Cannon and Hannah Yunker, Emmett, Sam, Owen, Noah, and Myles Jackson; one brother Donald McCormick of California; sister-in-law Darlene McCormick of Spearfish; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Ardis; parents Earl and Pearl McCormick; brother Ronald McCormick; in-laws Clarence and Geneva Brugman; and son-in-law Jim Petoske.

Memorials and cards can be sent to P.O. Box 393 Kadoka, SD 57543.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the memorial service in the annex.

Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 19, 2026 at the Kadoka City Auditorium Annex with Pastor Jesse Taylor officiating.

Interment with military honors will follow at the Kadoka Cemetery.