Robert M. Gravholt

Bob was born on October 6, 1930 in Yankton, SD to Fred and Wynne (Benson) Gravholt.  He attended Whittier 1 Rural School through the 8th grade.  He worked on the farm until he entered the service in March 1951. He spent 3 years as a machinist on the USS Point Cruz and received an honorable discharge in March, 1955 and received the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.  Bob was a proud Korean War Navy Veteran.  He loved his family, collecting guns, camping and dancing.  He enjoyed telling stories, talking about his military service, making up poems and visiting with everyone. Bob was a lifetime member and past Commander of the VFW Post #791, Yankton, SD.  In 2015, Robert was awarded a medal from the South Korean government recognizing him as an “Ambassador for Peace”.

Bob married Shirley Bierle on May 23, 1956 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Yankton and to this union, four children were born.  Bob and Shirley moved many times throughout their lives, but they always considered Yankton County their home.  Later in life, they settled in Lesterville, SD as their final stop.

Bob worked numerous jobs throughout his life including:   Working as a Feed Mill Manager, machinist at Yankton Auto Salvage, US Geological Survey, maintenance for Cimpls and IBP and a Deputy Sheriff for Yankton County.  Bob and Shirley also started The Picnic Place, a restaurant on Hwy 52 west of Yankton.

Bob is survived by his children:  Terry of Colbert, OK, Susan (Chris) Kerr  of Yankton, SD, Roberta (Hubert) Zimmerman of Tabor, SD and Kathleen (Warren)  Wagner of Utica, SD; nine grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his dance partner of 48 years, Shirley.