Robert M. Plaisted Jr. was born September 18, 1960, to Robert and Beatrice (Ballotta) Plaisted Sr, in New Brunswick, N.J. He spent his childhood surrounded by his three brothers, Chuck, Clint and Keith in Old Bridge, N.J.

Robert attended vocational school in Old Bridge. Shortly after graduating, he moved to the Black Hills of South Dakota with his family. He married his lifelong partner, Carol, in October 1982. Soon after they welcomed their son, Ray, in 1983, and daughter, Michelle, in 1988.

Robert tried his hand in the logging industry for a short time before pursuing his passion for painting. He held several auto body positions before venturing into his own business.

As an avid member of the NHRA and Southern Hills Drag Racing Association, he also served as president of the ABATE for a short time and president of the Cool Pine Cruisers Car Club.

Robert always had the most infectious laugh and a personality that was hard not to love. He was an extremely loyal husband, father, grandfather and friend. Having the wind in his face when riding his motorcycle, was one of his favorite ways to relax, the next best thing was drag racing. But most of all, spending time with his family and lifelong friends was his favorite pastime.

Surrounded by his family, Robert at the age of 58, died unexpectedly on December 1, 2018.

He is survived by his wife, Carol of Custer; son, Ray Robert Plaisted of Custer; daughter, Michelle Marie Gorsuch of Hot Springs, S.D.; parents, Robert and Bea Plaisted of Custer; brothers, Charles Plaisted of Delaware, Clint Plaisted of Arizona and Keith Plaisted of Custer; and grandchildren, Dustin Plaisted, Tony Plaisted, Trase Gorsuch and Allyse Gorsuch.

Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, at Custer Lutheran Fellowship Church in Custer.

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