Robert Louis Sloss

Robert Louis "Bob" Sloss, 93, of Beloit, WI, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Cedar Crest Assisted Living in Janesville, WI, where he resided the past six years of his life.

Robert was born on March 31, 1932 in Yankton, SD, the son of John L. and Eunice (Holsclaw) Sloss. Bob graduated from Deadwood High School in 1950. He then attended Black Hills College in Spearfish, SD - followed by Southern State College in Springfield, SD. Bob served in the Korean War with the United States Army from 1952 to 1954. He also served in the National Guard. Robert was awarded the Korean Service Medal with one bronze service star, The United Nations Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, The Combat Infantry Badge, and Good Conduct Medal. He was a member of the VFW Post #2306. He met and married his wife, Marie Joan Ludens on May 24, 1957 in Springfield, SD. They lived in Lead, SD after marrying, and then moved to Wisconsin in 1959.

Robert worked in several occupations including the Homestake Gold Mine, The Forest Service of the Black Hills, Besley Wells/Bendix (where he was a union steward at one time), and Woodward Governor where he retired in 1993. Most of his childhood and early adult life was spent in the Black Hills of South Dakota where he grew up hunting, fishing, ranching, and eventually worked at the Homestake Gold Mine of Lead, SD. He also spent some of his early childhood years living on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, and is registered with the Indian Bureau there.

Bob's favorite hobbies included restoring his two antique automobiles – a 1932 Plymouth Coupe and a 1932 Plymouth Sedan. He enjoyed reading historical books, visiting museums, and traveling. Bob especially loved visiting the Black Hills where he would hike into the woods on old gravel roads and wagon train trails. He loved to tell stories of his childhood and life experiences. Bob enjoyed listening to Gene Autry and Box Car Willie. He also enjoyed listening and watching to Old Steam Locomotives. In his later years, he could be heard singing or humming several of the older songs from his generation. He knew all of the verses of every song!

Robert was a hard worker all of his life. He did things his own way and took pride in his work. Bob always gave his best to anything he did. The grandchildren remember that grandpa had a sweet tooth and always kept a cup of jelly beans mixed with candy corn next to his recliner chair. Another memory is that when he would dry dishes, he would take a pan lid or a dish, toss it on the counter, and watch it spin and wobble. We were told he still did this at the assisted living center to entertain his table mates and staff! He was also known for his giant bear hugs and unique way of saying things.

Survivors include his three children, Louise Sloss, Roger (Mary) Sloss, and Janet (Douglas) Murray all of Beloit, WI; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents; wife; sister, Dorothy Lee Crawford; and infant brother, Donald Sloss.

The family would like to give a big thank you to the wonderful staff at Cedar Crest- where many of the caregivers were like family to him. We are grateful for the loving care and attention they gave to him! Thanks also to Agrace Hospice staff. We appreciate all of you!

Robert's ashes will be buried at a later date at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD. A graveside military funeral will be held at that time.