Robert "Bob" Dean Denker was born October 13, 1951 on the family farm south of Bonesteel, SD to Otto and Rose (Smolik) Denker. He died October 22, 2011 at the Morrison Community Hospital in Morrison, IL at the age of 60.

Robert graduated from Fairfax High School in 1970 and was drafted into the US Army in 1971. He served as an ordnance specialist, with one tour in Vietnam, and was honorably discharged in 1977.

Following his release from the Army, Robert moved to Madison, NE with his family where he resided until prior to his death. His many varied hobbies included antique clock repair, metal detecting, fishing, blacksmithing, blackpowder shooting, buckskinning, and playing the mountain dulcimer and harmonica at shoots. He also enjoyed playing the fiddle and "squeezebox" accordion. He loved going to Czech Days, and learning to speak the language, sing the songs and play the music of the Czech culture. Bob loved to entertain and made a party out of every get together. He had a great sense of humor and a positive attitude about everything, even in his final days.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Delora and his brother, Allen Dale Denker.

Robert is survived by his son, Robert Jr. of Janesville, WI; his daughter, Amanda Gembica of Blue Springs, MO; his brother, Donald of O'Neill, NE and by his four grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2011 at 10:00 AM at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke, SD. Burial will be in the Highland Cemetery in Fairfax, SD. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services on Saturday at the funeral home.