Robert "Bob" Pekelder, Jr. Obituary

Robert “Bob” Pekelder, Jr., age 87, of Stockholm, SD, passed away on Monday, October 21, 2024, at his home.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Tabor Lutheran Church in Strandburg, SD. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Milbank, SD. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Vicar Emelia Enquist will officiate, and interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Stockholm, SD.

The service will be livestreamed and recorded and will be viewable at the bottom of this page.

Robert Olaf Pekelder, Jr. was born on July 18, 1937, in Glenham, SD, to Robert Sr. and Hannah (Nordstrom) Pekelder. The family moved to the Strandburg/Stockholm, SD, area when he was a young child. Bob attended elementary school in Stockholm and attended high school in Strandburg where he graduated with the Class of 1956. 

Throughout his life, Bob was known for his hard work and dedication. After high school, he devoted his time to farming alongside his father and driving trucks for Stockholm Creamery. His sense of duty eventually led him to serve in the National Guard during the Berlin Crisis.

Finding love with Sharlyn Pistorius, they joined their lives in marriage in Browns Valley, MN, in 1970. Together, they shared over four decades on a farm near Stockholm, where they raised a family and cultivated a home filled with love and warmth.

A devoted member of Tabor Lutheran Church, Bob found support and community in his faith. Throughout his years, he also served on the Stockholm Township Board, demonstrating his commitment to bettering the lives of those around him.

Bob will be deeply missed by his loved ones, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Surviving Bob are his sons: Kris (Anna) Pekelder, and Ryan (Amy) Pekelder; five grandchildren: Alex Pekelder, Myles Pekelder, Lily Pekelder, Devin Pekelder, and Nathaniel Pekelder; sister, Alice Larson; along with numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Sharlyn in 2017; son, John; brother, Harvey Pekelder; and sister, Arlene Fields.