Robert Lee Nesland

September 21, 1939 - September 2, 2020

They say that a man who has friends is the richest man in town, so Robert Lee Nesland was simply the richest man around.

Virgil and Thelma (Nelson) Nesland rejoiced with the birth of their first son on September 21, 1939 in Dupree, SD.  It wasn’t long before he became an older brother to Larry (Rita) and James (Carol).  Growing up in Faith, SD, there were shenanigans, dancing, cards, and work at West River Oil Company.

Bob was blessed by the love of two amazing women, Joan Koeller and Edith Woodard.  They gave him one of the greatest joys in his life: his six children.  Cynthia (Lucio) Rocca, Carmel, New York, JoAnna (Lyle) Mitchell, Cathy (Corry) Baragar, John (Audra) Nesland and Michael (Marti) Nesland of Rapid City, SD, and Harley Haynes, Talihina, Ok.  Bob and Edie were kept busy while the kids grew into adults with sports, school events, while teaching them the value of hard work. 

After buying West River Oil Company from his father and running it with his family, Bob closed the business and he and Edie took an adventure to Texas.  They eventually moved back to Rapid City becoming “snowbirds” between Rapid City and Mesa, AZ.  They encountered numerous friends from the Faith area at the community they moved to in Mesa.  So, naturally there were lots of cards to be played, dances, and cocktail hours with friends.

Whenever there was an activity for one of their grandchildren [Tyler (Tricia) Baragar, Davide (Lesly) Rocca, Paolo Rocca, Shannon Nesland, Terry (Jade) Baragar, Anthony Nesland, Carter Nesland, Elizabeth Nesland, Giovanni Rocca, Zachary Nesland, or Colton Nesland], Bob wanted to be there.  Whether in NE, NY, or SD he made the trip and Bob’s hearty laugh or strong applause would be heard throughout the crowd.    His grandchildren were a tremendous source of pride for Bob.  Just this summer, he welcomed his first great grandson, Bodey Baragar. 

Everyone Bob met became an immediate friend.  He loved to visit, play cards, and dance. When his big blue eyes closed for the last time and  he entered heaven, he was greeted by his parents, first wife Joan, brother Larry, and countless family and friends who welcomed him home into God’s Grace… and the games began.  

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn in Rapid City, SD on September 12, 2020 from 2-5:00 PM.  Burial at the Faith Cemetery with Masonic Rites will be held September 13, 2020 starting at 2:00 PM.  A celebration of life will take place immediately following the burial at the Faith Community Center until 5:00 PM.  

Please send your condolences to Edie Nesland, 23756 Arena Drive, Rapid City, SD 57702. Bob always supported the Faith Memorial Scholarship Fund.  In lieu of flowers please make donations payable to Faith Alumni Memorial Scholarship, PO Box 181, Faith, SD, 57626.