Robert “Bob” Frank Wicka, 82, of Sturgis, SD passed away on October 12, 2025.
Robert was born in Beach, North Dakota on September 28th, 1943. He grew up on a farm there, his grandfather’s original homestead. He graduated from Beach High School in 1961 and later served in the National Guard. He then relocated to Sturgis, SD in 1970 with his parents to start a new farm near Bear Butte. He worked there while also working for the Farm Service Agency for several decades.
He married Kathleen Kell in 1980 and had a son named James. Bob and Kathy later divorced. Bob raised James as a single-father during James’ high-school years. He also supported James through college and his years teaching abroad. Bob worked hard and saved so that he could provide a better life for those around him.
Bob had strong ties to the local farm and ranch community and could always count on his neighbors to help when needed.
His biggest joy in recent memory was when his two grandsons, Adam and Ben, arrived. He loved showing them the farm but also dropped everything when needed and drove to Rapid City to watch the boys whenever needed.
Bob is preceded in death by his father, Frank Wicka, his mother, Gertrude Wicka, and his brother-in-law, Roger Stagner.
He is survived by his sister, Jeanne Stagner; his son, James Wicka; his daughter-in-law Agnieszka Wicka; and his two grandsons, Adam and Ben Wicka.
A visitation will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025 from 6:00pm-7:00pm at Kinkade Funeral Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Sturgis, SD beginning at 11:00am. The Rosary will be held prior to the service. Burial is to follow the service at St. Aloysius Cemetery, Sturgis, SD.