Robert “Bob” Landphere
Robert "Bob" Landphere Jr., age 68, of Bison, SD, passed away on Wednesday evening, November 10, 2021 at the West River Regional Medical Center in Hettinger, ND.
Celebration of Bob's life will be Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the Christ Lutheran Church in Bison, SD. Rev. James Schmeling will officiate. Following the service, Bob's ashes will be buried at the Bison Cemetery near Bison, SD. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the Church on Wednesday morning and will be live-streamed here on Bob's obituary page on our website and a link will be made available to click on to view.
Bob was born the eldest son of Robert (Gene) and Doris Landphere on September 8th, 1953 in Germany where Gene was stationed. They returned to the United States in 1962 and eventually made their home in Bison, SD. Throughout Bob’s childhood, he could be found at his father’s side working on various projects and businesses. It was during these interactions that his love and knowledge of mechanics began. Bob graduated from Bison High School in 1971.
Following high school, Bob was a dedicated member of the Bison community. He worked as a mechanic at Bison Implement, oversaw the Rec Center, and worked as the groundskeeper at Homestead Heights. He had a gift for making yards and lawns beautiful in a way no one else could. He later served on the Bison Town Board and even spent one day as the town cop! He always said he was a “jack of all trades, master of none.”
Bob’s knowledge of mechanics and “need for speed” drew him toward the drag car world. He spent many hours building and racing his own drag car. This hobby lasted many years for him, and was one he later shared with his son.
In March of 1980, Bob married Sherri Bonnema and they were blessed with two children—Branden and Cassie. Much like his relationship with his dad, he kept Branden and Cassie alongside him as he went about his daily tasks. The three of them could often be found on the back of a lawn mower, with one of the kids asleep in his lap as they went.
Bob was united in marriage to the love of his life, Glenda (Wishard) Jackson, on August 19, 1992 and gained two additional children—Lynn and Jamie. The six of them spent many weekends enjoying camping at the lake together. He became a baptized member of Christ Lutheran Church on November 29, 1992, alongside his children.
Bob began working at Grand Electric on October 17, 1988. At this point in his career, he had become an expert mechanic. He always felt tools and accessories could be more specialized and perform better for their needs. Because of this, he was frequently designing and building specialized tools and accessories for equipment. He was always relied on to fix anything the “Grand boys” broke. He retired in 2016 but continued his profession through his own business, Bob’s Repair, out of his garage.
It was during his retirement that he was able to focus on his true joy in life—his grandchildren. Bob was the best with the babies and had the magic touch to snuggle them to sleep. He had two go-karts and made sure they were up and running each summer and spent hours watching the grandkids drive them in circles. He was the “Fire Master” and summer night bonfires and s’mores were one of his favorite activities.
His legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren. His family cherishes the memories made, finds peace in knowing he is with our Savior, and celebrates his life and are thankful for the time we had with him.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Doris, and one sister Norma (Lucy) Halbert.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Glenda; his children, Branden (Abby) Landphere, Cassie (Tony) Pannone, Lynn Wanner, and Jamie (Starla) Jackson; grandchildren, Evelyn, Charlie, Hattie, Addison, Treydon, Beckham, Conner, Matthew, Zachary, Olivia, and Camden; three sisters, Susie (Dennis) Hulm and Tina (Dave) Skjoldal, Christy Larson; and one brother, Norman (Gloria) Landphere; numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.
Condolences may be sent and the livestream viewed at www.evansonjensenfuneralhome.com.
