Robert E. "Bobby" Auch

Robert Emanuel Auch was born on October 17, 1932 to Emanuel and Salamina (Schoppert) in rural Freeman, SD. He was baptized on December 26, 1932 at Johannesthal Reform Church, rural Freeman by William Huenemann.

He attended Wolf Creek, rural county school where his education began with teaching him to speak English as only German was spoken at home.

Robert profess his faith with confirmation on June 29, 1947 by Rev. William Korn at Kassel Reform Church rural Menno.

On April 1, 1953, Robert was drafted in the United State Army at Ft. Leonardwood, MO with the 3rd Plt Co A - 6th Quartermaster Bn – 6th Armed Division. After completion of basic training, he was transferred to Ft. Ord, CA for two weeks then to Presidio, San Francisco, CA. On May 1, 1954, the 537th Engineer CO was then transferred via ship to King Salmon, Alaska. He was honorably discharged on April 5, 1955 as a Corporal and returned home to South Dakota.

On March 21, 1954, he married the love of his life, Alvina Schaeffer at Saron Reformed Church, rural Menno. After his marriage, their lifelong occupation was farming beginning on his father’s farm north of Menno and later moved to the current farm by Lesterville, he retired from farming in 2010 when his grandson took over in 2010.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and hunting. His love of nature was evident with his creation of a habitat and fishing pond behind the property and large areas of CRP land. He was also affectionately known in the community as the “watermelon king.” He was an avid baseball player and fan.

He was a devoted member of Zion Reformed Church of Menno. He held offices of Trustee and Sunday school teacher and also sang in the church choir but most of all his joy was found through his Savior Jesus Christ.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather who instilled his faith and morals in all the lives he touched.

Thankful for his love are those he leaves behind his wife, Alvina of 61 years; children: Dan (Nancy) Auch of Lesterville, SD; Deb (Greg) Rabbe of Northrop, MN; Carmen (John) Schramm of Utica, SD; and Douglas (Lynette) Auch of Lesterville, SD.

Five grandchildren who loved their grandpa: Brad (Tanya) Schaeffer of Parker, SD; Dan (Nicole) Schaeffer of Olivet, SD; Luke (Des) Schaeffer of Mankato, MN; Crystal (Marcus) Snearley of Jacksonville, NC; and Zachary Auch of Lincoln, NE.

Six great grandchildren: Hannah, Hadley, Austin, Madison, Corwin and Isaac.

One brother, Ed Auch of Menno, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emanuel and Salamina Auch, brothers: Ervin, Harold, Richard, Arnold, and Eugene, sisters: Ruth, Esther, and Ella.

Memorials may be directed to Heidelberg Theological Seminary, 7301 S. Louise Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57108.