Robert "Ivan" Gaetze, age 83, of Letcher, SD passed away peacefully on Monday, June 6, 2016 at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Friday, June 10, 2016 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with burial and military rites at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Thursday, June 9, 2016 at Will Funeral Chapel with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM.

Robert "Ivan" Gaetze, son of John and Mayme (Steinfeld) Gaetze, was born on January 19, 1933 in Mitchell, SD. He grew up on a farm southeast of Letcher, SD. Ivan attended country school through the 8th grade and graduated from Letcher High School.

After graduation he moved to Lead/Deadwood and worked for Black Hills Mercantile until being drafted in the US Army in April of 1953. He served two years in Korea as a radio operator. Ivan was honorably discharged in April of 1955.

He was united in marriage with Ruth Smith on June 11, 1955 at St. Wilfred Catholic Church in Woonsocket, SD. After their marriage the couple moved to a farm near Letcher where they farmed. Ivan worked as a small engine mechanic at Kelly's Marine and later in life he worked for Big Green.

He was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Mitchell,SD. Ivan was a past treasurer of the Moose Lodge and a member of the Fellowship of the Moose and Legion of the Moose. He also served on the Sanborn County Soil Conservation Board for 13 years. He served on the Forestburg Elevator Board and the Farmer's Home Administration in Mitchell, SD.

He enjoyed life on the farm and spending time with his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren who put the twinkle in his eye. Ivan could talk farm, ranch and cattle with anyone who would talk. He enjoyed playing pinnacle with the Casey's and the Steinfeld's. He loved his trips to Branson, MO and seeing his kids out of state and all the other family trips he took.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ruth; five children, Charlie and Julie Gaetze, Yacolt, WA, Tom Gaetze and Twyla Bryant, Sioux Falls, SD, Lori and Bob Herman, Mitchell, SD, Larry Gaetze and wife Julie Crang, Mitchell, SD, Janell and Jim Miller, Buchanan, GA; seven grandchildren, Kiirsttnae Herman and Andrew Leggott, Corttnee Herman, Chase Gaetze, Lynsae and Chris Quantrille, Breezy Bryant, Jennifer and Adam Rauscher and Amy Gaetze; four great-grandchildren, Jace Herman, Ayden Kummer, Katelyn and Lane Rauscher; three nieces.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers and sister-in-laws Francis and Margaret Gaetze and Leo and Maxine Gaetze; brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws Wayne and Ida Smith and Harold and Lloyd Linke; 2 nephews, Kenneth and Jim Gaetze and great grand-daughter Branaugh Leggott.