Robert "Bob" Dru Lappegard

Robert Dru Lappegard was born on January 10, 1937, in Hudson, South Dakota, the third son of Casper and Dorthey Lappegard. He was a bashful boy, known to take great pride in his belongings. He was creative, enjoyed drawing, and was considered very talented. He attended school until the 10th grade, completing his last year at Odebolt High School. After leaving school, he pursued work as a farm laborer throughout the Midwest, living in Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, and Kansas. He then began a lifelong career in manufacturing as a welder, eventually becoming a master welder and fabricator. He retired from Shaver Manufacturing in Graettinger on January 30, 1999, after 30 years of loyal service.

Robert met and later married Anna Marie Grant from Worthington, MN, on January 21, 1957. They went on to have three children: Merle, Mary, and Bonnie. The marriage endured for over 67 years until Robert's passing.

Robert enjoyed gardening, motorcycle adventures, and spending many happy times with Robert’s brothers, sisters, other family members, and friends. Robert practiced Taekwondo for seven years, earning his 1st degree black belt. He was a lifelong fitness enthusiast, lifting weights and using his Bowflex machine. After retirement, he continued using his extensive welding skills to build various creations for lawn and garden, as well as small trailers. He had many skills and could fix or build almost anything.

He took great pride in his vegetable (potato) garden and small flock of chickens. Robert enjoyed his home, family, his dogs Max and Lucky, four grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

 Robert lived in Dickens, Iowa, with Anna by his side from July 1997 until he required full-time nursing care in 2023. He passed peacefully in his sleep on November 1, 2024, at the age of 87.

Robert is survived by his wife, Anna; his children, Merle Lappegard of Dickens, IA, Mary Lappegard of Waverly, IA, and Bonnie (and husband Mark Grohe) of Fayetteville, NC; four grandchildren, Tony Lappegard, John (and Andrea Buckner), Nichol (and Gabriel Navarrete), and Karly Grohe; and great-grandchildren, Prince & Kingston Lappegard, Nolan, Gracie, Mazie, and Nixon Buckner, and Aliyah & Elliot Navarrete. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, one sister, Jeannette Brown, and many cousins from across the USA.

He was preceded in death by his infant son, Robert Dru Jr.; his parents; five brothers, Casper, Curt, Roy, Richard, and Timmy; and two sisters, Virginia and Dorthey.

Memorial Service will be at a later date.