89
August 13
Dell Rapids
Bob was born in Tea on June 22, 1931, to August and Elizabeth Ollerich. His mother passed away from childbirth. His grandmother, Louise, grandfather, Paul, and his Uncle Bill raised him. They farmed near Tea until he entered the Army in 1952. He served in Korea with the 293rd Grave Registration as a mortician. He met Phyllis Walsh at the Arkota Dance Hall, where they enjoyed dancing the night away. They were married on April 27, 1954. They ranched at Marvin, as well as farmed in Tea and Garretson.
Bob and Phyllis raised eight wonderful children. They purchased the Sioux Falls Livestock Auction Co. After selling the Livestock Auction Co., they purchased a ranch at Marvin. In 1965, he started the Ollerich Trucking Co. He was a cattle order buyer at the Sioux Falls Stockyards for 30 years. He was also a cattle buyer for Hurley Livestock of Spearfish. He was a partner of Brian Long Cattle Co. of Buffalo, Wy., for 33 years. He was excited to fly in his Cessna airplane on livestock buying adventures. After farming near Garretson for 42 years, he and his wife, Phyllis, retired to Dell Rapids.
Bob loved to fish but most of the time he was baiting hooks and untangling lines for the grandkids. He spent time with the Longs salmon fishing in West Port, Wash. He enjoyed sharing the salmon with family and neighbors. His eagle eye shot down many ducks and geese. Once the kids were out of the house, Bob and Phyllis could be found gallivanting throughout the country. Whether it be to Vegas to see the Schreurs or traveling with Phyllis’ sister, Carol Kay, wherever she may have been, along with visiting other family members. They fancied travelling to the Black Hills to play tourist and attend the Black Hills Stock Show and, many times, bringing along their grandkids.
He is survived by Steve (Rhonda) Ollerich of Dell Rapids, Timothy (Vickie) Ollerich of Heron Lake, Minn., Beth (Kenny) Jessen of Avon Park, Fla, Nancy (Dallas) Deranleau of Rapid City, Thomas of Hartford, Joleen (Dave) Ollerich of Rapid City, Lori Ollerich of Craig, Colo., Brian Ollerich of Marvin; 17 grandkids, and 22 great-grandkids, two great great-grandkids.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Elizabeth and August; wife, Phyllis Ollerich; granddaughter Brooke Ollerich; brothers, Myron and Dr. Dwayne and sister, Vickie Ollerich.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, August 18, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Dell Rapids.
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Arrangements provided by Kahler Funeral Home.