Robert "Bob" Erling Kothe was born on Feb. 14 ^th , 1941, to Martin and Grace (Seibert) Kothe, in Sioux Falls, SD. The Kothe family relocated to Custer, SD, when Bob was just four years old. He attended school in Custer and graduated in 1959. He went on to further his education at the Yankton College and USD where he was a member of the ROTC.

Bob met his loving wife, Donna, in the fall of 1960, they would later go on to marry on August 19th, 1961, in Luverne, MN. While residing in Sioux Falls, Bob worked for Sioux Steel before moving to Custer. They welcomed their first child, Kelly Ann, in February 1963 and their second child, Richard Robert, in July of 1965.

Bob's career consisted of banking and insurance work with the Custer County Bank. He then went on to purchase the Custer County Insurance Agency in 1977. Bob was an active member in the Custer Community. He held many memberships to include JC's, Lions Club, President of the Southern Hills Shriners Club, Past Master of the Custer City Lodge #66, Associate Guardian of Job's Daughters, member and Treasurer of the Custer Volunteer Fire Department, and a member of the Custer Community Church for over 50 years. Bob played a large part in helping to rebuild Rocky Knolls Golf Course greens. Bob was an avid hunter in his younger years and loved getting together with his buddies at hunting camp where his nickname was Budweiser. Bob and Donna spent many winters in McAllen, TX.

He had an unwavering love for his family and friends. Anyone who knew Bob knows how important his grandchildren and "granddogs" were to him. Bob and Donna most recently celebrated their 60 ^th Wedding Anniversary.

Robert "Bob" Kothe passed away with his family by his side, at the Custer Hospital, on October 10, 2021.

Bob is survived by his wife, Donna (Shierk) Kothe of Custer; children, Kelley Bugenhagen of Sioux Falls, SD; Rick (Angela) of Custer; grandchildren, Tanner (Donny) Bugenhagen of Sherman Oaks CA; Ashley Jobe of Custer and Shiann (Grady) Peterson of Rapid City, SD.

Preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Grace Kothe and aunt and uncle, George and Mildred Vandel.

On November 6, 2021 at 2:00 p.m., at the Custer Cemetery, there will be a graveside service to include Masonic rites.   A memorial service will follow at the Rocky Knolls Golf Course at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been designated to Shriner's Hospital, Custer VFD and Custer Hospital Healing Garden.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Custer, SD.