Robert (Bob) Norman Gnirk Sr. was born to Fred Paul and Adeline Sylvia (Graven) Gnirk on May 13, 1940 in Burke, SD and died on April 1, 2018 at his home on the Gnirk farm/ranch (Sully Flats Homestead).
He was raised on the Gnirk family homestead northeast of Burke. He attended Hornbeck Elementary School. He attended and graduated from Burke High School in 1958. He is an alumnus of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1963. After college he explored the option of joining the United States Air Force, ultimately deciding to move back to Burke to farm and ranch.
Bob married Wilma Jean Hansen on June 13, 1961. They raised five children together on the Gnirk family farm/ranch.
Bob spent his adult years working as a farmer and rancher. He used his degree in mechanical engineering to do much of his own farm repairs and custom designed several pieces of farm equipment. He proudly worked long days from sun up to past sun down. He was elected county commissioner and enjoyed participating in managing the business affairs of Gregory County. He also served on the school board.
Bob had a fabulous sense of humor, he loved to pull a fast one and joke with anyone that would engage him. He was known for his clever, charming and witty mannerisms. He told jokes, laughed and worked hard to enjoy life. He proudly celebrated his AA birthday on Jan. 13, 1988, for him this day was more important than his regular birthday. He was a skilled card player with a brilliant mind and spent his free time at Pump N Stuff, Bernie’s, Dallas and the Gregory Bowling Alley. If there was a card game in the county, he was usually there.
Bob loved and cherished his children, grandchildren and great granddaughter. He provided a place for Garth to hunt deer. He looked forward to raising steers, so Maranda and Codi could train, show and sell them in 4-H Achievement days. He even ventured out of his comfort zone of small town living, to attend Lacee’s high school graduation in San Antonio, TX.
Bob was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, a brother, Donald and two of his sons, Bart Douglas and Beau James.
He is survived by his brothers; Paul Gnirk, New Underwood, SD, David Gnirk, his wife Elaine, Burke, SD, and Sister-in-Law Karla Gnirk, Brookings, SD. His children; Bobby Gnirk Jr, his wife JaNell, Herrick SD, Bart Gnirk, his special friend Jessie Shook, Bismarck, ND, Garth Gnirk, his wife Kayla and daughter Heidi, Sterling, ND, Chance Gnirk, his special friend Katie Windhorst, Fargo, ND. Sister (Barbi) Law, her husband Jon, and daughters Lacee and Sareena, Schertz, TX. Little Girl (Becky) Mitchell, and her daughters Maranda and Codi, Douglass, KS. He also leaves behind a host of other friends and relatives.
Loading ...