Robert “Bob” Ragatz

Robert “Bob” Ragatz, 67, of Frankfort, SD, passed away Friday, May 30, 2025, at Avantara in Clark, SD. 

Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Tuesday, June 3, at Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield, SD. 

His funeral service will be at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, June 4, at the Redfield Methodist Church in Redfield.  Pastor Melissa Rowenhorst will officiate.  After lunch and fellowship in the church hall, burial will take place at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Frankfort. 

The funeral will be live-streamed through a link on the funeral home’s website below Bob’s obituary.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Hyke Funeral Home (www.hykefuneralhome.com).

Robert Wayne Ragatz was born August 17, 1957, to Wayne and Carol (Duerkop) Ragatz in Redfield, SD. He grew up on the family farm near Frankfort, where his love for farming first took root. Robert attended school in Doland, where he participated in basketball, cross country, 4-H, and FFA, earning numerous awards.

He went on to complete two years at Lake Area VoTech in Watertown, SD, studying Diesel Mechanics. Even while going to school, he continued to farm back home in Frankfort, a passion that remained throughout his life.

After graduation, Robert returned to Frankfort, where he would make his lifelong home. He loved attending the Watertown Farm Show, and it was there he met the love of his life, Lois Zubke. The couple married February 21, 1981, in Waubay, SD. Together, they were blessed with three wonderful children: Ryan, Jennifer, and Eric.

Robert took great pride in his bright yellow 1971 Plymouth RoadRunner, which he owned since high school. He enjoyed restoring vintage tractors, including the International 1066, John Deere ‘B’, and the Allis Chalmers ‘C’.

A dedicated community member, Robert served on the Harmony Township board for most of his life. He enjoyed participating in a bowling league, as well as playing casually with family. Robert enjoyed any activity that involved visiting with people and could turn a stranger into a friend with a single conversation.

More than anything, Robert’s pride and joy was his family. He cherished attending his children’s and grandchildren’s events and activities. During his children’s high school years, he became a driver of the athletics school bus and quickly became a favorite amongst the students and coaches. He would later adopt the daily school bus route and always took great satisfaction in keeping his busses clean and well maintained.

Robert’s memory will be lovingly cherished by his wife of 44 years, Lois Ragatz of Frankfort, SD; his children: Ryan (Jackie) Ragatz and their children Cooper, Emmie, and Braylee of Frankfort, SD; Jennifer (Mike) Merron and their children Teagan, Jackson, Nora, and Raya of Sioux Falls, SD; and Eric (Shayna) Ragatz and their daughter Charlotte of Watertown, SD. He is also survived by his sister Brenda (Zane) Mason and brother Jim (Rose) Ragatz; as well as many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Carol Ragatz; father- and mother-in-law Dale and Arlene Zubke, brother-in-law Dennis Zubke, and sisters-in-law Myra Zubke and Lois Zubke.