William M. "Bill" Jobgen

RAPID CITY - William M. "Bill" Jobgen, 80, Rapid City, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011, at his home.

He was born Oct. 1, 1930, in Rapid City to Leonard and Esther (Wilcoxen) Jobgen. Bill grew up on his parents' farm near Scenic where he attended grade school. He attended New Underwood High School and graduated in 1949. After graduation, Bill worked for some of the local neighbors until September, 1951, when he was drafted into the United States Army. After basic training and advanced training, Bill was sent to serve on the front lines with an infantry company during the Korean War. During his time in Korea, Bill was transferred from the infantry to the Military Police and guarded North Korean Prisoners of War on Geoje Island until 1953 when he was honorably discharged and returned home to South Dakota.

In 1958, Bill went to work for Myhrens Cashway Lumberyard in Rapid City. On Sept. 9, 1961, Bill was united in marriage to Owanka native Dorothy Matt in New Underwood. They made Rapid Valley their home and had four children, Luanne, Guy, Wes and Natalie. In 1963, Bill left the lumberyard and began a long career with the local Ford dealer where he was the used car detail manager and retired after 36 years of dedicated service.

After retirement, Bill spent his free time camping and fishing with his family in Pierre. A highlight of Bill's passion for fishing occurred in 2004 when he went on a fishing trip to Canada. He also enjoyed working in his yard, "puttering" with his cars, tractors and yard equipment. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren "grow." Bill was a lifetime member of the VFW and a member of the Korean War Veterans Association.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Dorothy; four children, Luanne (Keith) Miracle of Rapid City, Guy (Amy) Jobgen of Piedmont, Wes (Tammy) Jobgen of Rapid City, and Natalie (Bryan) Parks of Rapid City; six grandchildren, Tyler, Duran, Cody, Megan, Emma and Grady; a great-grandson, Emerson; two stepgrandchildren, Anthony and Amanda; three stepgreat-granddaughters, McKenna, Braelee and Taylie; three sisters, Louise Simmons of New Underwood, and Lucille Salvas and Mary Curtis, both of Rapid City; a brother, Robert Jobgen of Moorhead, Minn.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Leonard Jobgen.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. today at Kirk Funeral Home with Pastor Bruce Baum officiating. Interment will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with military honors provided by VFW Post 1273.

A memorial has been established.

An online guestbook is available at www.kirkfuneralhome.com.