Robert "Bob" LaReed Dardis

On Saturday afternoon, Bob "Big Lion" snuck out of town with his fishing pole to attend a family reunion and he is not expected to return.
Bob was born September 24, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to the late Bernard and Lydia (Kantack) Dardis. He was a member of the first class to graduate from Southwest High School, (Minneapolis) in 1941. As a member of the "Greatest Generation" Bob served in the U.S. Coast Guard during WW II, and attained the rank of COX. Following the service he held several jobs that involved traveling, including working in Greenland for 9 months building radar towers. He managed and owned several bars in the area before marrying his wife Bonnie on February 14, 1966. Together they owned and operated the Bodega in Deadwood for several years. Bob began working for Brown Swiss in 1971 until he and his wife built the Spearfish McDonalds in 1981. In 1986 they built the Sturgis McDonalds in which they also owned/ operated until they retired in 2004. Bob loved playing cards, fishing, hunting, sports, his dogs and the Vikings. Bob was a member of the All Angels Episcopal Church and a proud member of the Spearfish Lions Club of which he joined in 1976. He served as president of the Lions Club from 1989 to 1990 and in 1994 he was presented the Melvin Jones Award. Over the years he served on several community boards and volunteered for many fund raising projects.
Bob's life was richly filled with rewarding work, love for his family and serving others. His family and friends will remember his wonderful sense of humor and dedication to many worthwhile endeavors.
He was a loyal and encouraging champion to all his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Bonnie, as well as six children; Charisse (David) Fandrich, Calvin Dardis, Lisa Shelley, Shawn Dardis, Heidi (Felipe) Sorzano, & Kelley Dardis; 13 grandchildren; JoDee, Shon, Scott, Courtney, Ryan, Neil, Calvin, Thomas, Cody, Robert, Bonnie Grace, Anna, & Lauren; 9 great-grandchildren, one sister Jackie Shafer and several nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Phyllis Layman, and grandson Benjamin.

Visitation will be held at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 from 3:00-7:00 P.M.

The family invites Bob's friends (all who knew and loved him) to join them in a celebration of his life at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Spearfish with the Rev. Bunker Hill officiating. Immediately following the service, internment will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Spearfish with full military honors by the Spearfish Honor Guard. Please join the family for a luncheon at the church, following internment.

Those who desire may make Memorial Donations in memory of Bob to the Ronald McDonald House, 2001 S. Norton Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57105.

GOD knew he had a keeper when he reeled this one in.