Fred Kobold Sr. 88, passed away Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at his residence in Mitchell.  Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Monday, February 7, 2022 at Will Funeral Chapel.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Mitchell.  Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM Sunday, February 6, 2022 at Will Funeral Chapel.

Fred was born on November 10, 1933 to Irene and Frank Kobold in Gregory, SD.  He attended Pleasantsight school through the 8 ^th grade.  Fred's entire life, up until he enlisted in the military, was spent on the family farm that was diverse and full of many adventures.

Fred enlisted "in the only branch that would take us", with a few buddies in 1953 and served in the Army until the end of the Korean War.  After a fun night out with the guys, they decided to enlist and had tried other branches of the military but were turned down until they reached the Army recruiter.  After being honorably discharged he went back home to Gregory to his wife, Romona and son, Fred Jr. better known as "Butch".  They moved to Colorado Springs where Fred got a job as a brake mechanic at a local garage before working his way up to shop manager.

Fred worked on most any and every car out there and was well known and trusted in the community as, maybe not the cheapest but worth the extra pennies.  He had many notable vehicles from his first truck, a 1929 Ford Model A, to Thunderbirds, and even, "Moriah" the black 1953 Mercury. Many tried and most all failed to beat him in a street race.

In 1957 Fred and Romona went to his one and only concert in a gymnasium in Colorado Springs; where they saw the man in black, Johnny Cash.  Eventually Fred moved back to South Dakota and began trucking, something he loved so very much. From his Pete and then eventually his 1985 Ford F-250 "Blue" that he hauled campers with, he saw the country and hauled just about everything imaginable.   Fred met and married Pat Hohn in 1984; they traveled for 3 years delivering campers in the truck known as "Blue".  When Fred's mother, Irene, began needing care; he and Pat came off the road and began managing the campground at Lake Mitchell.  This was way outside his wheelhouse but Fred took the role and the campground thrived, with wait lists and lines piling up to the highway to "Fred's Campground".  With Pat by his side, they lived right there at the campground with a small shop with everything imaginable.  The community knew the Kobold's well as good honest workers who would do anything for you.  During the holiday season you would see Fred out running the crews decorating downtown Mitchell.

Fred loved life, sharing his experiences, his stories and ability to tell them are second to none.  One could spend days with him and never stop laughing and soaking up everything he said.

Grateful for having shared his life are his son, Fred Kobold Jr., three grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Pat.