HURON — Robert J. Entwisle, age 99, of Huron, passed away on Monday, April 1, 2024 at Avantara in Huron.
His Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 5, at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish with burial at St. Martin Cemetery in Huron.
Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, at Welter Funeral Home in Huron, with family present from 5 to 7 p.m., or one hour prior to the church on Friday morning. Military honors will be conducted by the Huron Veteran’s Council and United States Navy.
Robert James Entwisle was born June 6, 1924, to Verne A. and Elizabeth (Esser) Entwisle at Adrian, Minn. He was educated at St. Adrian High School, graduating in 1942.
He served in the United States Navy on the USS L.S.T. 744 in the South Pacific during WWII. After his discharge, he attended St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minn., then transferred to the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1948 with a degree in Mortuary Science. Bob was employed at Ferdinand Furniture and Funeral Service in Adrian, Minn.
On January 3, 1951, he married Emily Bullerman at St. Adrian Catholic Church in Adrian. They made their home in Adrian until September of 1951, when they moved to Mitchell, and he was employed at H. Nobel and Son Funeral Home until October 1955, when they moved to Huron.
Bob and Ken Loe purchased Welter Funeral Home. In 1970, Ken Loe retired, and Bob and Emily owned and operated Welter Funeral Home until they retired in 1998. They continued to make their home in Huron.
He was a past president of the SDFDA (South Dakota Funeral Directors Association) and served as president of the South Dakota Board of Funeral Service for two terms during Governor Kneip’s administration. He was a 50-year member of the SDFDA and the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association. Bob served as the Beadle County Coroner for many years.
He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, where he enjoyed ushering, was a life member of the Knights of Columbus, life member of VFW Post 1776, a 60-year member of the William Reaves American Legion Post 7, Sertoma, AARP, Huron Senior Center, the Huron Elks Lodge and Huron Country Club.
Bob was an avid Twins and Vikings fan. He loved to play golf with friends and family, his favorite hole was the 19th hole!
He is survived by his wife, Emily of Huron; two sons; John Entwisle of Hot Springs, and James (Lori) Entwisle of Huron; five grandchildren, Eamin Entwisle, Megan (Matt) Rotert, Lavin (Jeremy) Martins, Cassidy Entwisle, and Colin Entwisle; 2 great-grandchildren, Raegan and Mason Rotert; sister-in-law, Mary Lutmer and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded by his parents; his daughter-in-law, GayLynne Entwisle; two brothers, Richard (Ceal) and John (Jo); and three nephews, Vernon Entwisle, Dennis Busch, and Don Entwisle.
Memorials may be directed to a Huron area charity of the donor’s choice.
www.welterfuneralhome.com