Robert Louis Haider, 94, of Zell, SD, passed away Monday, June 5, 2023, at Community Memorial Hospital Avera in Redfield, SD. 

   Robert’s visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 8, at Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield.  Family will be present starting at 6:00 p.m. to accept condolences.  A Scriptural Prayer Service with Reverend John Short, a Time of Sharing, and Rosary with the Redfield Knights of Columbus will begin at 7:00 p.m.

   Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 9, at St. Mary’s Chapel in Zell, with Reverend John Short officiating.  Interment, with military honors, will take place after the service at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Zell.  Lunch and fellowship will follow at the church hall. 

   Both the Scriptural Prayer Service and Mass of Christian Burial will be live-streamed on the funeral home’s website below Robert’s obituary.  Hyke Funeral Home (www.hykefuneralhome.com) has been entrusted with arrangements.

   Born in Zell on May 2, 1929, to Edmund and Caroline “Lena” (Jungwirth) Haider, Robert attended St. Mary’s School in Zell and Redfield High School in Redfield.  After graduation, he attended Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD, and Hanson Mechanical Trade School in Fargo, ND.  Robert worked for area farmers and as a substitute mail truck carrier.

   Robert proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean War.  After his honorable discharge, he returned home and worked on the farm.  From 1963 through 1992, he proudly worked for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad as a bridge and building carpenter.  After retiring from the railroad, he returned to farming and raising cattle.

   Traveling was a favorite pastime for Robert.  He toured all the lower 48 states, visited Rome, Canada, and Mexico, as well as Europe twice.  He got as “high” as you can go on earth – on the outside of the top of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.  Robert also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, pets, tinkering, and spending time with his nieces and nephews.  He was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Zell, where he served as a reader, and a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus. 

   Robert is survived by his brother Ed (Patsy) Haider of Frankfort, SD; sister Jean (Duane) Day of Rapid City, SD; and many nieces and nephews.

   He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Raymond (Margaret) and Leonard (Lita), and sister Mary Betts.