Robert A. Stuart, 82, passed away Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at his home in Alcester, SD surrounded by his family after a brief battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, June 30, 2018 at Big Springs Baptist Church, rural Alcester, SD. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM Friday, June 29 at the church, followed by a prayer service at 7:00 PM.


Robert "Bob" Stuart was born January 19, 1936 to Averill V. and Ruth (Bickel) Stuart in Duluth, MN. He grew up in St. Louis Park, MN and graduated from Minnetonka High School in 1954. Growing up, Bob spent most of his time on the waters of Lake Minnetonka or on the North Shore of Lake Superior with his good friend Gordon. After high school, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force and served until 1958.


Bob met Carol Petry when she was attending Hamline University in St. Paul, MN and they shared their first date on his boat on Lake Minnetonka. They were married at Big Springs Baptist Church in September of 1962 and were blessed with their children, David and Lisa. Bob began working in sales at H.D. Lee Company in Omaha, NE. Their family moved from Omaha to the Twin Cities, then Springfield, MO, and Hawarden, IA. In 1984, the family moved to rural Alcester, SD where Bob pursued his passion for carpentry and building. From the smallest detailed job to large projects, Bob poured his love into his work. He was always willing and able to help.


Bob was an active member of Big Springs Baptist Church where he was an usher and trustee. He was an avid reader and enjoyed watching western movies, or "Easterns" as he called them. His love of the open road and wide-open spaces always called him to his other favorite pursuit, driving semis. Bob traveled to every corner of our country and always brought back a story and a laugh. He also enjoyed spending time with his friends and family but found lots of time to tinker and build.


Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Carol, Alcester, SD; his son, David (Teresa) Stuart, Beresford, SD; his daughter, Lisa (Harry) Rodovich, Wilmington, NC; brother-in-law, John Fibiger, Austin, TX; sister-in-law, Miriam Petry, Hudson, WI; 3 nieces, Karen McCarthy, Longmeadow, MA, Katherine Fibiger, Philadelphia, PA, and JoVonne Mathiesen, Nashville, TN; 3 nephews, Brian Petry, Burnsville, MN, Jack Petry, Albuquerque, NM, and Steve Petry, Arden Hills, MN; and 1 great niece, Abby McCarthy, Longmeadow, MA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Averill and Ruth Stuart, his sister, Barbara Fibiger; brother-in-law, Don Petry; and a niece Rennette Ritchie.