Robert Pence

Robert Louis Pence, 90, of Frederick, SD, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, after a brief stay at Aberdeen Health and Rehab.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 29, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Westport, SD, with Father Michael Kapperman officiating. A time of fellowship and luncheon will be following Mass at the church hall.

Burial will be at 1:30 p.m., at Wayside Cemetery, Frederick with Military Honors.

Visitation will be 3-5 p.m., Sunday the 28th, at the mortuary with a liturgical wake at 5 p.m.  Visitation continues one hour before Mass at the church.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements.  Family and friends may sign the online guestbook and also view the service at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Robert was born April 10, 1932, to Frank and Anna (Voeller) Pence on the family farm near Frederick, SD.  This is where he was raised and attended school, graduating with the class of 1950 in Frederick.  When he was in school, he participated in Boy Scouts, basketball, and football.  He entered the US Army in March 1953 and was honorably discharged in March 1955.  He was stationed in Ft. Leonard Wood MO, and was trained to be an army cook.  Upon returning home, he resumed farming with his dad.

Robert married Villvina (Valley) Schnabel on August 14, 1959, in Hecla SD. They made their home near Frederick.  Two daughters, Kathy and Lori were born into this union.  Together they farmed in the area for nearly fifty years.  Robert was always known to keep his farm and yard neat and orderly.   Valley passed away on August 31, 2012, and Robert continued to live on the farm until his death.

In 1950, Robert obtained his pilot license.  He and his brother Gene owned an airplane together and hunted with it for many years.  Robert gave plane rides to friends and family, and sometimes flew people to their destinations.  Robert was a farmer, through and through.  He raised small grain crops and registered purebred Hereford cattle.  He also owned his own gravel pit and graveled many township roads in the area.  He enjoyed trapping, fishing, hunting, gardening, cooking, playing pool, and horseshoes. He was an excellent woodworker, making several nice pieces of furniture for all his family.   Robert also loved to travel.  Together, he and Valley traveled to many places in the United States.  Upon retiring, they wintered in Florida, Texas, and finally settled in Arizona.  They also made 3 trips to Alaska.  Robert was a fan of the Minnesota Twins, attending many games. He also enjoyed watching them play on tv.  Robert was known to attend any auction sale that was within driving distance, always bringing home some kind of treasure.

Robert was a very resourceful person.  He always figured out a way to make things work.  This allowed him the ability to stay on the farm alone, as long as he did. If anything broke, we always gave it to him because he would “run it through the shop”.  Robert was a good-hearted man, he was kind, thoughtful, honest, and loyal.  He worked hard all his life, and he passed on his knowledge to his family.  Robert was a good dad and grandpa, always making sure we were all well taken care of, as well as making sure we all toed the line.  We all will miss him so much.

Robert was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Westport, SD.  He was also a member of the American Legion Post #273 since 1955.

Robert is survived by his 2 daughters: Kathy Pence, and Lori (Ben) Hofer both of Aberdeen; two grandsons: Bryan Hofer and Justin (Anna) Hofer; 1 great-granddaughter: Chloe Hofer, plus a great-granddaughter on the way; sister: Dorothy Lahr; and his nieces and nephews.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Valley; his brother Gene Pence; sister-in-law Harriet Pence; his brother-in-law Leonard Lahr; and an infant son.