Robert E. Letcher

Rock Rapids, IA Robert E. Letcher, age 88 of Rock Rapids, IA died Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at the Royal C. Johnson Veterans Hospital in Sioux Fall, SD. Memorial service will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, June 14th at the United Methodist Church in Rock Rapids, IA, with Rev. Dean Shelly officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Franklin Cemetery in Madison, SD. Visitation will be Saturday, one hour prior to the service at the church. Robert Ervin Letcher was born on November 18, 1919 in Madison, South Dakota, the son of Ervin and Nettie (Cooper) Letcher. He was raised in Madison and attended the community schools, graduating from Madison High School in 1937. After high school, Robert earned his Bachelors degree in education from Dakota State, formerly known as General Beadle College in Madison, SD. He entered the U.S. Army Air Force on January 8, 1941 and served his country in the Pacific Theater during WWII. He received his honorable discharge on September 22, 1945 with the rank of Sergeant. He returned to Madison, SD and was united in marriage to Berneice Bagley on November 25, 1946 in Luverne, MN. Following their marriage they lived in various South Dakota and Minnesota communities before moving to Rock Rapids, IA in 1970. During that time Robert taught school and also received his Masters degree in education. After his masters he also served as Superintendent for the school in Ramona, SD and Hanley Falls, MN. During his time living in Rock Rapids he taught part-time into his 80s in Luverne, MN, worked as an insurance agent for a few years and volunteered for many community events. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, the Masonic Boarder Lodge No. 406, A.F. and A.M., and the American Legion, Rex Strait Post No. 103, all of Rock Rapids. He enjoyed Bingo, attending dances, and fishing with family and friends. On October 3, 1990 Roberts wife, Berneice died after 43 years of marriage. He continued living in Rock Rapids and stayed busy through volunteer work at the local nursing homes. This past Wednesday, June 11, 2008 Robert died at the Royal C. Johnson Veterans Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 88. He is survived by his four sons, Dick (Becky) Letcher of Osakis, MN, Gary (Barb) Letcher of Jefferson, SD, Roger (Donna) Letcher of Woodbury, MN and Bruce (Angie) Letcher of Sioux Falls, SD; thirteen grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Lila Mitchell of Madison, SD. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Berneice Letcher; and a sister, Lola Rossitter. Blessed be his memory.