Robert A. Oster, 67, Dickinson, died Sunday, January 26, 2014 in a Rochester, MN hospital surrounded by his loving family after a valiant battle with cancer. Robert’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, February 1, 2014 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Msgr. Patrick Schumacher as the celebrant. Interment will take place in the Spring at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Dickinson. Military honors will follow the Mass and be provided by the Dickinson Honors Team. Visitation will be on Friday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, with a rosary & vigil at 7 p.m., with Deacon Bob Stockert presiding.

Robert was born on September 9, 1946 to John and Stefina (Duttenhefer) Oster, in Dickinson. He was the youngest of 8 children. He grew up on a farm north of Gladstone. He attended a farm school, Richardton boarding school, Gladstone grade school, and St. Patrick’s School in Dickinson. He graduated from Dickinson High School in 1964. Bob attended Dickinson State College and then served in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany. After an honorable discharge, he was hired by Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. He was fortunate to enjoy a 39 year career with them. He saw many changes there, from the company name – NW Bell, US West, Qwest, and finally to Century Link – to countless changes in technology. He was a dedicated and hard-working employee. He enjoyed working with his co-workers and shared many stories and adventures with them. Many became his lifelong friends. He enjoyed going to coffee with them and all of their get-togethers. He was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and the Elks.

Bob enjoyed the great outdoors and loved to fish and camp. He loved nature and especially the Badlands, the Black Hills, and the mountains. Lake Sakakawea always excited and refreshed him. Bob was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling and all sports. One of his greatest enjoyments was supporting the Minnesota Vikings football team. He especially looked forward to the Olympics. He was honored to have worked for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, it was quite the memorable experience for him.

Bob had a special place in his heart for all animals, whether it was a bird, squirrel, or prairie dog. Zoo visits always brought him excitement. He got the attention of most animals and together they entertained all those around him. He loved his pet dogs, Columbo and Oreo. None were more special to him than his “grand-pets” Zoe, Pumpkin, and Penny. He loved giving them treats, playing with them, going for long walks, and especially giving them cuddles.

Bob’s greatest joy was his family. He met the love of his life Jacqueline Wolbaum and they were married on June 16, 1973, and had celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary last summer in the Black Hills. They were blessed with three children- Nichole Chantel, Brock Robert, and Sierra LaRae. They were the pride and joy of his life, having shared many values with his family and cherished his time with them. Faith was very important to him and having had a deep appreciation for life and all he was given. He had many talents including the ability to fix anything, much to the joy of his family. He was our silent hero and is now our angel, we will miss him dearly.

He is survived by his wife, Jackie; three children, Nichole (Jeff Skelly) Oster, Sun Prairie, Wis., Brock Oster, Dickinson, and Sierra (Tyler) Burgess, Dickinson. Also surviving are two brothers, Leo (Nellie), Bismarck and Felix, Milpitas, Calif.; one sister, Agnes (Chris) Heim, Mandan; and two sisters-in-law, Fern Oster, Bismarck and Bernice Oster, Kansas. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, John and Stefina Oster; brothers, Peter, Frank, Jack, and Clem; and sisters-in-law, Barbara Oster, Ida Oster, and Kay Oster.