Robert E. Battest, 86, formerly of Doland, SD died Wednesday, August 1, 2007 at Park View Care Center in Buffalo, MN. His funeral will be Thursday, August 9, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Doland. Reverend Grace Rhodes will officiate. Burial will be in the Doland Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 1-8:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Robert was born August 23, 1920 in Frankfort, SD to William and Lousie (Meyer) Battest. Bob was very proud that he had worked in the Civilian Conservation Corp and on numerous projects in the Black Hills. He married Violet Smith in 1943 and they had four children: Janice, Wayne, Joan and Gene. They farmed in the Doland area and Bob also drove truck most of his working years. Bob married Darlene Lake in 1974 and they enjoyed traveling together for eight years in their fifth-wheel trailer. He treasured the times he visited his family and grandchildren.

Bob enjoyed hunting and playing cards and was very proud of his Doland roots.

Bob is survived by his children: Janice (Russell) Anderson of Morrison, CO, Joan Halderson of Buffalo, MN and Gene Battest, eleven grandchildren: Kim, Dallas, Todd, Jason, Jon, Travis, Tracy, Michelle, Trampas, Sam, Tyrel and several great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Raymond (Denise) Battest of Doland SD, Lloyd (Dee) Battest of Doland, SD, Harold Battest of Eureka, MT, Dolores Ellis of Sioux Falls, SD, Richard (Alice) Battest of Beulah, ND, and Norman (Janice) Battest of Barstow, CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Darlene, one son Wayne, two brothers: Don Carter and Bernell Battest and one sister Betty Young.