PIERRE, SD – Rob Roussel, 67, of Pierre passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on September 1, 2025. A memorial service to honor Rob’s life will be held at a later date at Isburg Funeral Chapel with a fish fry / wild game potluck to follow afterwards at Westside Bar.

Rob was born to Jim and Carole (Rieke) Roussel on January 28, 1958 in Watertown, SD. He grew up and attended grade school in Clark, SD before moving to Watertown, where he graduated from high school. After high school, he briefly worked for a company that repaired bridges before settling in Pierre where he worked as a butcher at Super Dooper, this was something he was very good at and took special pride in; and carried with him throughout his life. He then took a job with the city of Pierre where he worked for over forty years and retired as a Senior Wastewater Plant Operator. After retirement, he continued to serve the community by working with River Cities Transit. Some of Rob’s most cherished memories were made driving the morning/afternoon school bus. Rob loved making those kids’ day almost as much as they loved making his.

On September 21, 1990, Rob married the love of his life, Julie Niehoff, in Pierre, SD. They enjoyed many hobbies together, most notably were all the miles on their motorcycles; and together, they helped start the Pierre Area Youth Dart League. Throughout his life, Rob was known for his passionate spirit, loud voice, and adventurous nature. As an avid outdoorsman, he cherished the moments spent hunting and fishing with family and friends. In his prime, he looked forward to hosting his famous Super Bowl party and wild game feed and the joy of sharing good food among friends and family. In his later years, he re-kindled this joy with his love for wild game processing and cooking delicious meals. You could feel his love in absolutely everything he cooked, and he would often remind you that it wasn’t his fault if you left his table hungry.

Rob actively participated in several organizations, including Oahe A.B.A.T.E. the Pierre Area Dart League, and he was a lifelong member of the Free Masons.

He is survived by his loving wife, Julie; his children, Desiree Farabee (Mark Schulte), Kevin Cook, and James Roussel (Becka Gregg); his granddaughter, Riley; his mother, Carole Roussel; his sisters, Laurie (Randy) Estes and Denise (John) Trebesch; as well as countless friends whose lives he touched with his warmth and generosity.

Rob was joined in the afterlife by his son, Ryan, his father, Jim, his sister, Shelley Schaefer, his best friend and brother-in-law, Kevin Schaefer, and his best friends, Dave Piersol and Kim Kerns; along with numerous fallen family members of Oahe A.B.A.T.E. and P.A.D.L. that Rob held very close to his heart.

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