Robert Leroy Tapken, 93, Sturgis, died, Friday, March 7, 2025, at the Sturgis Regional Senior Care. He was born February 15, 1932 in Sturgis, SD to Otto G and Marie V. (Burch) Tapken.

He worked for Homestake Mine until joining the US Airforce in December of 1951, serving as a food service supervisor for in-flight meals. Robert became a barber working in Lodi, CA and Hamilton, MT.  He was running a barber shop in Montana where he met his last wife Alice "Irene" when she came in to apply for a job. He didn't have any openings but she was a looker so he hired her anyway. The couple loved to fish together. After moving back to Sturgis in 1992, he cut hair for Tarrant's Barber Shop. In his later years, Robert worked for Lynn's Super Value, stocking shelves and helping customers bagging their groceries. He enjoyed the most learning about them and being able to help.

Robert is survived by his, wife Alice "Irene" Tapken; children, daughter Margaret (Steven) Denton, Sturgis, and daughter Mary Frances; step children Shirley (Gary) Nichols, and Russ Wildey; 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his son, Steven Duane Tapken; brother, George Tapken; and son-in-law Allyn Frances.

Condolences for the family may be sent to www.kinkadefunerals.com .

Robert Tapken Service Folder