Robert Schlegel, 95, of Redfield, SD, died on Thursday, September 4, 2014 at Sanford Medical Center in Aberdeen.

His funeral will be Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ. Reverend Tim Fugman will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Redfield.

Visitation with Robert's family present to accept condolences will be Friday from 5-7:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home.
www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Robert was born in Culberson, NE on February 26, 1919 to Dallas J. and Blanch (Houston) Schlegel. On July 13, 1947 he married the love of his life, Bernice Elizabeth Runestad.


He was a member of United Congregational UCC Church, Redfield. Robert enjoyed farming, ranching and especially going to the rodeos to watch his children and grandchildren participate. He will always be remembered for not talking much, but leading by example. You never heard him say a bad word about anyone, Robert was a true gentleman. He taught his children to always put others first, be respectful, honest and to have a high moral standard. He served in the United States Army during WWII, serving as a tank operator and a sharp shooter. Robert served in Italy, Germany and South Africa. He earned the American Theater Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Service Medals. He will always be remembered as being a true cowboy.


Robert is survived by those blessed to call him father: Janie (Mike) Gregg of Cloquet, MN, Mavis (Don) Ludemann of Redfield, Mary Kay (Terry) Jandel of Redfield, Sharon (Terry) Shantz of Redfield, Gale (Nora) Schlegel of Highmore and Deb Peters of Killdeer, ND., He is also survived by his 26 grand children, 68 great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.


He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Bernice on August 17, 2013, a son and daughter-in-law, Gary (Mildred) Schlegel, son-in-law Lyn Peters and grandson J.R. Schlegel. He was also preceded in death by 2 sisters: Gladys Mason and Mina Mary Olson.