Robert "Bob" Oliva

1933 - 2025

Robert "Bob" Oliva
November 21, 1933 - January 25, 2025
Robert "Bob" Joe Oliva, 91, of Pierre, passed away January 25, 2025. Services were held on Monday, February 3, 2025 at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. His service may be viewed at www.feigumfh.com.
Bob was born on November 21, 1933 to Joseph E. and Florence I. (Zobrist) Oliva in a sod house in rural Bennett County South Dakota. He attended rural school and graduated from Bennett County High School in 1951.
After High School Bob worked for the South Dakota Highway Department. He was drafted into the United States Navy in 1956 and was honorably discharged as an SK3 in 1958. Bob was proud to have been able to serve his country.
After his discharge from the Navy, Bob returned to work for the South Dakota Highway Department until he became an agent for State Farm Insurance in Pierre.
Bob met his wife Margaret Jo "Maggie" Flagstad while she was working in the Driver's License Division for the State of South Dakota. They were united in marriage on April 8, 1961 at St. John's Catholic Church in Fort Pierre. Bob and Maggie were married for 49 unforgettable years full of love and family. Bob told people that Maggie was the best thing for him and was the love of his life. The saddest and hardest day for Bob was losing Maggie to her battle with cancer.
During their marriage Bob and Maggie had two children, Steven Joe and Amy Jo.
Bob was an avid golfer and even wrote a book on the sport. Outside of golf, Bob was a billiards player who loved playing with family and friends. He could do trick shots that would be consistent with a professional player.
Bob was an active member of the community. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus as a 4th Degree Knight, a member of the Elks Lodge, the American Legion Post #8, Exchange Club, Jaycees and Toastmasters of Pierre. Bob's faith was very important to him and he was a member of Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church.
Bob is survived by his son, Steven (Jessica) Oliva of Pierre; daughter, Amy (Todd) Larson of Pierre; grandchildren, Rhen Fierro, Corie (Tim) Jastram, Spencer Oliva, Bailey Fierro, Thomas Oliva, John Fierro, Katrina Davidson, Kathryn Oliva and numerous great-grandchildren; two sisters Shirley (Rich) Krivitz of Surprise, AZ and Sharon (Merle) Smith of Oshkosh, WI. Two sisters-in-law Anne Anderson of Broomfield, CO, Judy Flagstad of Sioux Falls, SD and Jane (Harland) Peterson of Britton, SD, Bruce (Kathy) Flagstad of Sturgis and Charles (Echo) Flagstad of Florida. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Gerald F. Oliva and Donald "Gene" Oliva, His sisters-in-law Marion (Emley) Oliva, Elizabeth "Beth" Flagstad, and brother-in-law Don Anderson.
Condolences may be conveyed to the family at www.feigumfh.com.