Robert Bartscher

Dates

Obituary

Robert Bartscher, 89, of Mitchell, SD, died Saturday, November 11, 2023, at his home. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 AM on Friday, November 17, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mitchell. Burial will be at Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery in Ethan. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7:00 PM with a prayer service at 6:30 PM at Holy Family Catholic Church. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Robert Henry Bartscher was born on September 9, 1934 in Miner County to Henry and Eleanora (Mentele) Bartscher. He graduated from St. Peter's Catholic School in Farmer, SD. Robert served in the US Army from 1957-1959.

On September 5, 1959, Robert was united in marriage to Leona Mae Gessner in Salem, SD. In 1966, they moved to a farm south of Mitchell where they raised their nine children.

Robert was a mason for many years. He enjoyed working for his cousin Eldon, along with his brothers Don and Gene. In 1966, he and his brother Gene began Bartscher Brother Construction, which was a successful business for 28 years, and where they were lucky enough to have their father, Henry, and their sons, work for them. In 1995, Robert continued to work with his three sons, Hank, Buck, and Steve with Bartscher Concrete & Masonry.

Robert enjoyed going to coffee at 1-90 and visiting with friends. He raised and raced thoroughbreds. He also loved attending his many children's and grandchildren's activities. He was a cancer survivor.

Robert is survived by his wife, Leona Bartscher; children: Mary Bartscher of Mitchell, Carol (Mark) Peterson of Johnston, IA, Hank (Lesley) Bartscher of Mitchell, Debra (Gordy) Walz of Mitchell, Karen (Doug) Kroeplin of Highmore, Jon (Tanya) Bartscher of Mitchell, Connie (George) Kutsaftis of Portsmouth, RI, and Steven (Angela) Bartscher of Mitchell; 19 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; sisters: Alice Schleich, Irene Olinger, Connie Bukacek, Georgie Weber, and Maureen Weber; and son-in-law, Eric (Carol) Hanks.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Roberta Hanks; son-in-law, Gordy Walz; and brothers, Don and Eugene.

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