Robert L. Hladky

Robert L. Hladky, 80, of Aberdeen, passed away Thursday, October 22, 2020, at his home.

His wishes were to be cremated and his memorial service will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 26, 2020, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 915 South Dakota St, Aberdeen, with Pastor D.T. Rawerts officiating.

Burial, with military honors, will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Aberdeen.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary & Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation will be 4-5 p.m., Sunday, at the mortuary, with a public prayer service beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Family and friends may sign Robert’s online guestbook and also view his service via the live stream service link at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Robert Louis Hladky was born on June 4, 1940, to Louis and Emily (Pokorny) Hladky in Yankton, SD.  He attended various schools and earned his GED while he was in the military. 

Robert enlisted in the United States Army on June 6, 1957, at age 17.  From June to December 1965, he served in Vietnam. Robert was with Battery C, 2nd Battalion (aerial artillery) 20th Artillery, 1st Cav Division.  While in Vietnam, he was a helicopter mechanic and line chief. Robert was responsible for maintenance of six Huey helicopter gunships and was the crew chief and door gunner for one of them. Robert’s Army career included tours in Korea, Vietnam, and Germany. He also served in the SD National Guard from July 1972 to July 1983 as Forward Observer, Fire Direction Officer and Executive Officer of an Artillery Unit at Yankton SD.  In addition, Robert also served as the Company Commander of the 730th Medical Company in Vermillion and Winner, SD.  He was in the Army Reserve from July 1983 to October 1990, where he worked in Army hospitals in various administrative positions.  Robert received numerous awards and medals during his prestigious military career and retired as a Major. 

Robert met his wife, Christa Blaser, while he was stationed in Nuremberg, Germany.  They were married on November 13, 1962, and to this union three daughters were born.  After their first daughter was born, they moved back to the United States, to Yankton, SD.  Robert worked for the United States Postal Service from 1966 through 1992. He was Postmaster in Colome, SD from 1974-1992, when he retired.  Robert was a hard worker, often working for local farmers in the field after his day at the post office was finished and during his retirement years.  

Throughout his life, Robert loved to read.  He had bookcases full of books of all genres.  Robert was influential in starting the Colome branch library, to which he had donated a large number of books.  He was never without his kindle and was proud of the hundreds of books he had read.  His other hobbies included rebuilding old cars, pickups, and even a tractor.  Robert also enjoyed building things, woodworking, and collecting old coins and stamps. He liked doing large puzzles, and playing cards and games, especially with his grandchildren. Robert loved having all the kids and grandkids home over the holidays. He could be quite a prankster and instigator and loved to stir the pot.  He was often at the kitchen table reading, drinking coffee, and visiting with family. 

Robert is survived by his wife, Christa Hladky of Aberdeen; three daughters, Donna (John) Hofeldt of Colome, SD and Jo Sheffield and Bobby Goeman, both of Aberdeen; one brother, Lawrence (Barbara) Hladky of Yankton, SD; and the apples of his eye, his grandchildren:  Nathan Hofeldt, Cassidy Hofeldt, Alex Hofeldt, Nick Goeman, Alexandra Goeman, Grace “Jing Jing” Sheffield and great-granddaughter, Jules Hofeldt; as well as many other relatives and friends. 

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Emily Hladky; and his brothers, Donald "Tiny" Hladky and Lyle Hladky. 

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