Robert Graham Geldert, Jr.

Robert Graham Geldert Jr., 71, Rapid City, died Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011, at his home under the loving care of his family and hospice. Robert (Bobby) was born in Minneapolis, MN on June 20, 1940 to Robert Graham Geldert Sr. and Dorothy Helen (Mooney) , at the time his family lived in Mound, MN at Lake Minnetonka. Robert’s father Robert Graham Geldert, Sr. was a master plasterer and in a series of moves headed to areas providing longer construction seasons. Robert moved from Minnesota to Idaho then to Oregon on to Washington and eventually to Inglewood, California. Robert lived in 38 different residences by the age of 14. Robert joined the Navy in 1958 where he reached the rank of 3rd Class Radioman; he was honorably discharged after four years of service. Robert graduated from Inglewood High School in 1966 and from El Camino College with an Associates Degree in 1970. While employed at Northrop Corporation he met and married Karen J. Beaird. They had two children while living in Inglewood. The family moved to Rapid City, SD. they later divorced in 1983. Robert joined the Pennington County Sheriff’s Department as a Deputy in April 1972. The great flood of RC would hit only two months after the family moved here and Robert joined the sheriff’s department. Robert proudly served the county as Deputy eventually reaching the rank of Lieutenant, for 27 years, retiring in 2000.Robert married Carol Ann (Legge) Scherer on July 23, 1988; they had many wonderful adventures traveling on their motorcycle with the Blue Knights or in their PT Cruiser visiting family and friends. Robert was an avid photographer, loved classic cars, motorcycles, and indulging in the trappings of his Scottish heritage. He was a devoted husband, father, brother and friend. You could not find a more disciplined and loyal man. He is survived by his daughter, Marsia (Shane) Geldert-Murphey, Glen Carbon, IL.; a son, Robert (Karen) G. Geldert III, Edwardsville, IL.; four grandchildren, Tanner Geldert, Bridget Geldert, Gillian Murphey and Myles Murphey all of Illinois; a sister, Sondra Geldert-McGaffin, Carlsbad, CA; and a brother, Dale (Rita) Geldert, Oceanside, CA., and sister-in-law Beth Geldert; many nieces and nephews and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Carol, his parents, and a brother Roland Geldert, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA.