Robert A. Tabbert
PIPESTONE - Robert A. Tabbert, age 93, passed away on December 25, 2023, in Pipestone, MN. He was born February 7, 1930, to Nels Edward and Alma Nelson Tabbert in Sioux Falls, SD.
When Bob was a child, he moved with his family to a farm near Egan, SD. Young Bob collected farm machinery fliers and advertisements from farm stores and sent away for more by clipping and mailing coupons in farm publications, amassing a large collection that he carefully kept in labeled folders. He played clarinet in band and graduated from Egan High School in 1948.
Bob enlisted in the Air Force and became a licensed pilot. He enjoyed the time spent in St. Johns, Newfoundland, and made many friends there. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Sioux Falls and worked as a carpenter for his brother, W. G. (“Windy”) Tabbert. He built many of the Hilltop homes. In 1956, he met Ellen Jurgensen, and they were married on December 8, 1956.
Health problems forced a change in careers, and Bob attended Nettleton College and obtained his real estate license. Later, he opened his own office, Bob Tabbert Realtors, and began to focus on real estate inspections. He was Realtor of the Year in 1976 and served on local and state boards. Following retirement, Bob drove buses for Jack Rabbit Lines and the Harrisburg school district.
He and Ellen enjoyed traveling in their motor home, visiting nearly all 50 states and fearlessly driving in Manhattan and Washington, D.C. He spent weekends one summer helping his daughter and son-in-law make a derelict Iowa farmhouse habitable, including digging a basement under it and installing central heat, earning the nickname “Plumb Bob.” Later, he enjoyed hauling wagons for them during harvest.
He and Ellen greatly loved their grandchildren and spent as much time as possible with them, attending school programs and proudly following their sporting events. Bob was always quick to lend a hand, give advice, and dole out “Dad” jokes. He loved children and was known for giving out quarters to any who came his way. He was active in Sons of Norway, the Two-Cylinder Club, the American Legion, and more; he was instrumental in starting R.I.S.E., the Sioux River Improvement Society; he taught Sunday School and later drove for Project Car at First Lutheran Church. He collected antique John Deere tractors, which he enjoyed driving in parades and on tractor rides.
Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ellen; an infant daughter, Elizabeth Ellen; his parents; and three brothers, Winfred, Curtis, and Norris.
He is survived by a sister, Anita Winegarden; a brother, Le (Mary) Tabbert; three children, Michelle (Dean) Evans, Marsha (Cal) Jans, and Dale (Jamie) Tabbert; 8 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, as well as a host of relatives and friends.
Bob was an animal lover. Memorials may be directed to any Humane Society or to The Banquet, Sioux Falls.
Services will be held at a later date.
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