Robert Steltz

Robert “Bob” Steltz, age 89, of Big Stone City, SD, passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2025.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ortonville, MN. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the church. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Pastor Zachary Voss will officiate the service and interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery near Big Stone City, SD.

The service will be livestreamed and recorded and will be viewable at the bottom of this page.

Robert Otto Steltz was born on March 18, 1936, in Ortonville, MN, to Otto and Francis (Pollock) Steltz. He grew up on his family’s farm near Big Stone City, SD, where he learned the values of hard work and dedication.

A proud member of the Big Stone City community, Robert attended school in Big Stone City, graduating from Big Stone City High School in 1954. Following his graduation, he continued to work alongside his father on the family farm. Over the decades, he skillfully managed the farm, tending to cattle and hogs, and later, growing grain until just a year prior to his passing.

On November 8, 1968, Robert was united in marriage with Sharon Sigler. Together, they were blessed with five children: Todd, Doug, Joel, Julie, and Michael.

Robert was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ortonville, where he fostered friendships that spanned a lifetime. A true enthusiast of rural life, Robert found joy in machinery and cattle, regularly attending auction sales that brought him great pleasure. In his younger days, he hunted rabbits, pheasants, and ducks. Even in his later years, he cherished leisurely drives to “check things out,” a simple pleasure that brought him joy.

Television and radio were another source of enjoyment for Robert, who could often be found watching shows like Lawrence Welk, RFD TV, and Dallas. In his later years, he could be found sitting and watching the wildlife out the big window at the farmhouse. However, the greatest joy in his life came from the time spent with his beloved grandchildren.

Robert is survived by his daughter, Julie Steltz of Milbank, SD; sons: Todd (Tara) Steltz of Big Stone City, SD; Doug Steltz of Miller, SD; Joel Steltz (Colette Barton) of Milbank, SD; and Michael (Melissa) Steltz of Brandon, SD; 15 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon in 2023; his parents; and sister, Donna (Darold) Ulrich.