Robert E. VanRoekel

Robert E. Van Roekel, 90, of Brandon, SD, passed away peacefully at his home at Bethany Meadows in Brandon on Friday, September 11, 2026.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Community Reformed Church in Sioux Falls, SD. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be directed to Meals on Wheels or Owen’s Outfitters.

Robert Eugene Van Roekel was born on December 2, 1935, in Sioux Center, IA, to Abraham and Martha (Van Wyk) Van Roekel. He attended school in Sioux Center before continuing his education in Beaver Creek, MN. Early in his career, Robert worked at Wood Manufacturing in Luverne, MN, and Hanson Silo Company. He went on to devote 35 years of service to John Morrell & Company in the Beef Fab Department before retiring.

Never one to stay idle, Robert continued working after retirement. He drove a delivery truck for Sturdevant’s Auto Supply from 1989 to 2003 and later spent 22 years delivering vehicles all over the country for Billion Auto. He wrapped up his working years just shy of his 90th birthday.

On June 25, 1955, Robert married the love of his life, Jennie Van Eck, and made their home in Sioux Falls, SD. Together, they celebrated an incredible 71 years of marriage. During 17 years of their retirement, they wintered in Mesa, AZ, where they cherished the warm weather, community activities, and lifelong friendships. In 2017, they moved to a garden home at Bethany Meadows in Brandon, SD.

An avid outdoorsman and enthusiast, Robert lived life to the fullest. He served as president of the Izaak Walton League in Sioux Falls from 1975 to 1976 and directed the trap-shooting league there for 20 years. He was an exceptionally skilled trap shooter, with numerous rounds of 25 straight to his name.

Robert’s passion for hunting and fishing took him on moose hunts in Canada; deer, antelope, and goose hunting trips in western South Dakota; and pheasant hunts throughout eastern South Dakota. He also enjoyed shooting prairie dogs and rattlesnake hunting and used the snake skins to craft custom belts, buckles, and hatbands.

In addition to his outdoors pursuits, Robert was an avid collector. He loved collecting Bicentennial quarters and other coins, as well as maintaining a vast collection of shotgun shells, rifle cartridges, and firearm memorabilia.

Throughout his life, Robert had a love for adventure and mechanics. In his younger years, he played in the church softball league. His lifelong passion for motorcycles included owning classic Indians, Honda Goldwings, and Harleys, and he and Jennie enjoyed motorcycle trips across the country. Together, they also enjoyed camping and four-wheeling in the Black Hills. Robert remained an active bicycle rider well into his late eighties.

Robert also cherished traveling with his family. He, along with his sister, brother, and their spouses, traveled to Holland to visit extended relatives and explore the country’s history, landmarks, and beauty.

Robert’s faith was deeply important to him. He served as a deacon at Community Reformed Church and was also the janitor for the church in its early years when the congregation met in the parsonage. He also faithfully attended men’s Bible study.

Grateful for having shared Robert’s life are his loving wife, Jennie (Van Eck) Van Roekel; his children, Barb (Tom) Schuster of Valley Springs, SD, and Bob (Merry) Van Roekel of Valley Springs, SD; his brothers, Don (Verlys) Van Roekel of Surprise, AZ, and Roger (Mary) Van Roekel of Beaver Creek, MN; four grandchildren, Tom (Sarah) Schuster, Matt (Betsy) Schuster, Josh (Erin) Van Roekel, and Ann (Jake) Varilek; and eight great-grandchildren, TC, Tori (Tom and Sarah), Maya, Ryker (Matt and Betsy), Keegan, Alem (Josh and Erin), Jade, and Asher (Ann and Jake).

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Abraham and Martha Van Roekel; and his sister, Viola Uithoven.