Robert Wayne Shannon, 74, of Dupree, South Dakota passed away April 8, 2025.
Robert was born May 31, 1950 to Otis “Beanie” and Alice (Olsen) Shannon in Dupree, SD. He attended school in Dupree, graduating from Dupree High School in 1969. Robert began working for the South Dakota Department of Transportation following graduation. His career with DOT spanned 45 years and he retired in 2014.
Robert was only six years old when his dad passed away, and his mother did her best to raise a respectful young man. Helping Alice during those formative years were the families of Wayne and Audrey Holmes, Voyle and Virginia Samuelson, and Wayne and Stella Vance. During his growing up years Robert enjoyed ‘cowboying’ and helping family members, Wayne Holmes and Voyle Samuelson, on their ranches.
In 1982 a new school teacher moved to Dupree and caught Robert’s eye (and heart)! Robert married Kimberly Fried on July 2, 1983. Adding joy and fullness to their lives, they had a daughter, Crystal, a son, Michael, and six grandchildren.
Robert was known for his sense of humor, and friendly attitude. He was a tough guy with quick wit. He was rich in friendships and always willing to help others. He was a member of the Dupree United Church of Christ, holding various offices on the church board. He was a member of the Dupree Volunteer Fire Department, serving as Fire Chief for a time, and holding other positions such as Training Officer. Robert loved history and was a member of the Ziebach County Historical Society, serving as a member of the Board of Directors for that organization as well. He was gifted with storytelling and could relate local stories to those who wanted a glimpse into the past. He had also served terms on Dupree City Council and Dupree Cemetery Board.
Robert enjoyed the outdoors. He loved to grow a garden – but not necessarily to eat what he grew. He loved fishing and hunting, passing those skills to his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed rock hunting and shared that enthusiasm with Kim and the family.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Philip Shannon, Roy Shannon, and Norman (Vonnie) Shannon; sister, Stella (Wayne) Vance; brothers-in-law, Arnold Stave, Voyle (Virginia) Samuelson; Wayne (Audrey) Holmes; and sister-in-law, Vonnie Shannon.
Surviving Robert is his wife, Kimberly Shannon; daughter, Crystal (Ian) Pistulka, Whitewood, SD; son, Michael Shannon, Belle Fourche, SD; grandchildren, Aiden Pistulka, Zeth Pistulka, Ember Shannon, Trey Shannon, Marcus Shannon, and Shaylee Shannon; sister-in-law, Betty Shannon, along with many nieces and nephews especially Jon Holmes, Donna Smokov, David Holmes, and Wade and Carla Stambach.
Visitation will be Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel, Sturgis, SD. Funeral Services will be Saturday, April 11, 11:00 a.m. at Pioneer Hall, Dupree, SD. Burial will follow at Dupree Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Ziebach County Historical Society, Dupree United Church of Christ or the Dupree Volunteer Fire Department.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
