Robert “Bob” Francis Dressen was born on December 17, 1951 to Leonard and Mary (Randall) Dressen. He was raised on the family farm in rural Dell Rapids, SD. He was diagnosed with kidney cancer in May 2010 and lost his fight on November 16, 2012 at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD at the young age of 60 years old. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, November 20, 2012, at the Eastside Baptist Church, 6101 E 49th St, Sioux Falls. Interment will follow at 2:30 P.M., Tuesday, at the Holland Cemetery, rural Centerville. Visitation with the family present will begin at 5:00 P.M. Monday, with a Prayer Service beginning at 7:00 P.M. at the Eastside Baptist Church.
Bob graduated from Dell Rapids High School in 1970 and married his high school sweetheart Angela Rae Skotvold on August 28, 1970. He was a self-employed farmer with Rollin D Farms from 1970 to 1996 where he produced both irrigated and dryland crops in addition to raising livestock. Then started his own heavy-haul trucking company, Rollin D Trucking, in 1996 and worked through June 2012. Bob loved and cherished his wife, together they raised their three children Carie Ann, Robert “Robby” John and Rochelle Lea. Bob worked with his dad, wife and kids on the farm. Bob was very innovative and mechanical. He loved tinkering with motors, especially his 1969 Chevelle.
Bob was very active in the farming community for most his life, participating in critical community programs including Skunk Creek Water Association, Minnehaha County Pork Producers and Northwestern College Radio Advisory Board where he held seat on the Executive Boards. He also was a member of the South Dakota Corn Growers Association.
Bob impacted the United States ‘green energy’ projects through his work with Rollin D Trucking where he hauled towers for the wind energy business. His loads were overweight, over height and over length. Even the complexities in hauling these towers did not intimidate Bob. He developed great friendships and earned the trust of many people that he worked with throughout the years.
Whether it was at work or at home, Bob’s advice and wisdom was always sought out. He was the guy to ask on almost everything. From engine problems, the best route to drive, algebra equations or just his opinion on something; his kids, friends and family knew Bob would have the answer. He loved to talk politics and share places that he had been or roads that he had traveled.
Bob truly enjoyed his family and cherished his time with them. He often took his wife Angela to the movies, including his favorite series, James Bond. He enjoyed dirtbiking trips with his son Robby and son-in-law Kyle. He loved refining the engine of his Chevelle with Robby and having Kyle paint the body. He lit up when his grandkids came to visit, always interested in what they were up to.
Bob will always be remembered for his warm smile, hearty laugh, gentle heart and his love for the Lord. Many will miss him immensely, but the legacy he left behind will keep his memory alive.
Grateful for sharing his life are his wife of 42 years, Angela of Centerville, daughter Carie (Mike) Stiefvater and their children Hadley, Ella and Colton of Salem, SD, son Robby (Lori) Dressen and their children Kylie and Evan of Centerville, SD and daughter Rochelle (Kyle) Murphy and their children Kane and Elli of Dell Rapids, SD.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Ross and Ethel Randall and John and Gertrude Dressen. www.minnehahafuneralhome.com
