Robert Allen Conroy, 78, of Mitchell, died Thursday, March 1, 2018, at Firesteel Healthcare Community surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian Burial was Monday, March 5, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with burial and military rites at Servicemen’s Memorial Cemetery. Visitation was Sunday, March 4, at the Will Funeral Chapel with a prayer service beginning at 6 p.m.

Robert A. Conroy, son of John and Esther (Paulson) Conroy, was born in rural Artesian, where he grew up and attended school until the 8th grade. Bob then moved with his family to Mitchell, where he attended school.

Bob was united in marriage with Jane Usher on Aug. 10, 1959, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mitchell. He entered the U.S. Army, was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, and also served in Greenland. He was honorably discharged on Jan. 29, 1964, and returned to Mitchell, where he continued serving his country with the South Dakota National Guard until 1967.

In Mitchell, Bob was employed at Rozum’s Motors and United Auto Parts for a short time. In 1968, he began his career with Campbell Supply and retired in 2014 after 46 years of service. After his retirement, the couple continued to live in Mitchell.

During the late stages of Bob’s Lewy Body Dementia, the couple lived in Sioux Falls for a short time and then returned to Mitchell, where Bob lived at Edgewood Memory Care. He entered Firesteel Healthcare Community in November of 2017.

Bob was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church and the American Legion.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jane Conroy of Mitchell; five children: Beth (Carrie Tesch) Conroy of Mitchell, Cathy (Craig) Fogel of Sioux Falls, Mike (Holly) Conroy of Sioux Falls, Sharon (Sterling) Woods of Phoenix, Ariz., and Susan (Brian) Daughters of Mitchell; eight grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; a brother, George (Jean) Conroy of Mitchell; a sister-in-law, Mary Usher of Chandler, Ariz.; and one nephew.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Conroy, during infancy, and his parents.