Robert D. Nelson

Robert “Bob” D. Nelson, age 74, of Yankton, formerly of Colton, passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 AM Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at St. Joseph the Workman Catholic Church-Huntimer, rural Colton. Interment will be in the Colton Cemetery. Visitation without the family present will be from 5-6:30 PM Monday, at the Minnehaha Funeral Chapel, Colton, and with the family present at 10:00 AM Tuesday at the church. Memorial may be directed to the Colton Fire Department or the Colton Friends of Baseball.

Bob was born on October 28, 1949, in Sioux Falls, to Don and Helen (Edwards) Nelson. He spent most of his childhood growing up in Colton and graduated from Colton High School in 1967. He then married his wife of 55 years, JoAnn Kenobbie, on May 14, 1969, at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Sioux Falls.

Over the years, Bob worked for United Airlines, All American Transport, Chippewa Motor Freight, Sioux Land Forklift, and Allied Oil & Tire. Bob and JoAnn were blessed with three children: Kelly Jo, Eric, and Sarah. Bob enjoyed his family very much and was a “true family man” to the heart. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and especially his annual fishing trip with Eric and grandson Justin.

Bob is survived by his loving wife JoAnn; children: Kelly Jo (Paul) Sangster, Eric (Mandi) Nelson, and Sarah (Ethan) Smith; and his grands and greats: Jacquelyn (Tim), Nathan, Kelsey (Keifer), Trey, Madi, Serenity, Carter, Grayson, Aviana, Isabella, William, and Sasha. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Laurie Nelson, grandson Justin Nelson, and his in-laws, Ralph and Carol Kenobbie.