Robert B. Reckling, better known as Bob to his family and friends was born August 1, 1950, in Rapid City, South Dakota, the son of Alvin and Rosemary (Holecek) Reckling. He grew up in Philip and graduated from Philip High School in 1968.
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on February 17, 1969, during the Vietnam War, and served in various places. He received an honorable discharge on December 5, 1972 at San Diego, California. After his discharge he returned to Philip.
While in Philip, he, his father Alvin and brother Steve purchased the Osburn Hardware Store which Bob managed. They also owned and operated the Reckling Furniture Store. After Alvin's death in 1980, Randy Reckling moved back to Philip and the three boys operated the hardware and furniture store. They closed the hardware store in the early 1980's and Bob started his own plumbing business, which he operated in Philip.
Bob was united in marriage to Lou Ann Dean on February 3, 1974 in Philip. To this union were born five children, Andrew, Melissa, Matthew "BooBoo", Ashley and Marlis.
Bob continued to operate the plumbing business in Philip and also in the Wall area.
He was united in marriage to Barb Denke in May of 1998. They made their home in Philip.
Later Bob moved to Wall with his plumbing business which he continued with until the time of his illness. He moved back to Philip in May 2006.
Bob was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Philip, and a former member of the Philip Volunteer Fire Department. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing and hunting and always looked forward to the Black Hills deer hunting season. He enjoyed watching his children play sports especially baseball. His favorite baseball team was the Yankee's. Bob was very fond of his dog "Shadow" who was his faithful companion for over thirteen years.
Grateful for having shared his life are his five children, Andrew Reckling of Philip; Melissa Reckling and her special friend, Giovanni Rodriguez of Rapid City, Matthew Reckling and his special friend Jenny Clements of Philip, Ashley Reckling of Philip and Marlis Reckling and her special friend, Jason Petersen of Philip; two grandsons, Dominick Rodriguez and Cohen Reckling, his two brothers, Randy Reckling of Philip and Steve Reckling and his wife Teddi of Lincoln, Nebraska; several nieces and nephews; his first ex-wife, Lou Ann Fite of Philip and his second ex-wife, Barb Reckling of Wall; and a host of other relatives and friends. Bob was so looking forward to the birth of his two granddaughters.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial services were held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at the American Legion Hall in Philip with Pastor Ann Schlossnagle officiating.
At Bob's request the body was cremated.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established. Memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 666, Philip, SD 57567
MEMORIAL SERVICE
Wednesday, September 13, 2006 10:00 a.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Ann Schlossnagle
USHERS
Brant Sundall – Larry Kochersberger
Pat Seager – Dick Jankord – Marty Hansen
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
FLAG PRESENTATION
Wheeler-Brooks American Legion Post #173
Philip, South Dakota
Guest Book
I was so saddened by the announcement of Bob's death ... He was a very special person to me and I wish I had kept contact with the family ... All my move, Linda Barnes
~ Linda (Reckling) Barnes
Cape Canaveral, FL (9/8/2006)
All my prayers to my family.
~ Brian Reckling
Lake Tapps, WA (9/8/2006)
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I got to know Bob while we lived in Quinn and later in Wall. I worked at the Elkton House and he would come in almost everyday for tea with they guys and I got to know him better. What a great guy. It isn't much but you are in my thoughts and prayers.
~ Shannon Scofield
Murdo, SD... formerly of Wall, SD (9/8/2006)
M.A.M.M.A., Love to all of you and just know that you are the best five kids any dad could have. He loved you dearly and it will be tough for quite a while for each of you. Remember that He is watching over you and has your Dad at His side. Sandee and George
~ Sandee Gittings
21750 10 Mile Road, Philip, SD (9/8/2006)
Boo Boo, Drew, Ashley, Marlis,M.R.,& Lou Anne,
I am very sorry Bob has left you. This is not an easy time, but try to keep smiling. If there is anything I can do, let me know! Bob was a good man. Even though Bob is gone, he is still watching over you guys. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
~ Charlie Dale
Philip, SD (9/8/2006)
We were so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He fought a hard battle but now he's at peace. I know it's so hard to lose a loved one, and we would like to be selfish if we could and keep them with us but we know it's much harder on them. We will always have our precious memories to hold close to our heart. He is in a much better place now and not in pain. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
~ Mike & Tina Noteboom
Philip, SD (9/8/2006)
I am very sorry to hear of loss of your father. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Stay strong and remember the great times you all had with him. Kristi Spears
~ Kristi Spears
Bend, Oregon (9/8/2006)
Melissa and family,
I am thinking of you all. Bob will be missed so much, and by so many. He was an awesome person with the best sense of humor. (I keep imagining in heaven that Bob and Shadow are in the pickup, taking a heavenly highway to go fishing, and barrelling down that road at a max speed of 35 mph!) My prayers are with you all in this difficult time.
Melissa Pfeifle
~ Melissa Pfeifle
Cedar Park, TX (9/8/2006)
To Melissa and family, I'm so sorry to hear of your dad passing. Take comfort in knowing that your dad was liked by many. He could make any one smile or laugh. He well be missed dearly by you and your family and the many friends he had in and around Philip. Hold on to the memories they well get you through the tuff times ahead. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you kids. Michelle, Terri, and Travis
~ Michelle, Travis Brenner and Terri Craven
27 Madison St., Apt 1, Rapid City, SD 57701 (9/8/2006)
Andrew, Melissa, Matthew, Ashley & Marlis~
My deepest sympathy is with you all. So sorry for the loss of your dad. He was a great guy who could always make me smile and he will be greatly missed. Please know that I am thinking of you all.
~ Erin Hovland
Milesville, SD (9/8/2006)
To loving Bob Reckling Family, We send with all our hearts and prayers for your loss of your Brother, Father, Grandfather and a very special person & still my Brother-in-law Love Bill & Wanda
~ Bill & Wanda Dean
911 1st St. North, Havre, MT 59501 (9/8/2006)
Marlis and family-- I am thinking of you. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Bob was an amazing guy who could always make anyone smile. He will be greatly missed.
~ Chancie Smith
Spearfish, SD (9/8/2006)
Matt and Family:
Our deepest sympathies are with you all right now. Please know that we are thinking of you and will always remember "Semi-honest" Bob AKA "Bill Clinton" with only the fondest smiles and chuckles. He had a wonderful sense of humor always. Please know that we are thinking of you all and send our blessings and prayers to each of you. Most especially to you Matt.
~ Bob & Monna Van Lint
PO Box 483, Philip, SD (9/8/2006)
Melissa,
My thoughts and prayers go to you and the rest of the family. Be Strong. Your dad is watching from above. I grew up around this family and I really wish I could be there right now. Your dad was the greatest and could always make me laugh no matter the circumstances. I am going to really miss him.
Love ya all!!
Joy
~ Joy Heigh
Austin, Texas (9/8/2006)
Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. Bob was a very special person always with a smile on his face and story to tell. He was a good friend. God Bless all of you.
~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler
2130 Ellen St. Lot 4, Sturgis, SD (9/8/2006)
Melissa,
I am thinking of you. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May you take comfort in your memories of the wonderful times with your dad. Jen
~ Jennifer Rislov Jones
High Point, North Carolina (9/8/2006)
Ashley and family- thinking about you guys. I will always remember your dad as such a fun person. He would always make me laugh. working at the drug store we always seen him running around and he always had something to say to put a smile on your face. God bless ya guys. your in my thoughts and prayers. Darcy
~ Darcy Swift
Sioux Falls, SD (9/8/2006)
I worked with Bob for several years in the plumbing field, and always enjoyed him. My condolences to all the family.
~ Joe Allender
Rapid City, SD (9/8/2006)
Matt "BooBoo" and Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Remember Bob is looking down on you always.
~ Crystal Bruinsma (Swift)
Mitchell, SD (9/8/2006)
I am so sorry to hear the news of your dad. my heart goes out to all of you. love always, Miki
~ Mikela
Sioux Falls, SD (9/8/2006)
You are in my thoughts and prayers in the loss of your dad.
~ Bonnie Fitzgerald
Cordova, TN (9/8/2006)
TO THE LOVING FAMILY, WE OFFER OUR PRAYERS OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND HOPE IN THE UPCOMING HOURS AND DAYS. OUR SYMPATHY AND LOVE IS WITH YOU.
~ Mike and Shar Moses & Family
Philip, SD (9/8/2006)
Andrew and family,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Your dad was always a lot of fun to be around. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
~ Mandie (Nixon) Menzel
Dupree, SD (9/8/2006)