Click here to view the livestream of Robert and Benita's Memorial Service.

Robert and his beloved wife, Benita Schackow, shared a life defined by hard work, family, and deep roots in their community.

Robert Lee Schackow passed away on 2/9/2024, at the age of 90. He was born on 1/29/1934 to Frank and Elizabeth (Hess) Schackow. He grew up alongside his siblings, Shirley (John) Johnson and Sharon (Earl) Stugelmeyer, and graduated from Lemmon High School in 1952. Robert spent his entire life farming and ranching, a calling he embraced with dedication and pride. Known for his mechanical skill, he could fix nearly anything and spent many hours in his shop working on projects.

In the fall of 2023, Robert moved to town and entered Five Counties Nursing Home in December 2023 until his passing.

He found joy in life's simple pleasures—Burger King Whoppers, music (he could often tell you who wrote and sang just about any song), and genealogy, where he delighted in explaining how everyone was related and their place in the family. He was known as "Bubba" to the grandkids. He enjoyed attending the Rollag Threshing Show, going to auction sales, and fondly remembered a trip with Doug to Canada to bring home a combine.

Benita Mae Schackow passed away on 12/15/2025, at the age of 90. She was born on 9/1/1935 to Edward and Mabel (Nelson) Warne and grew up alongside her sister Loretta (Melvin) Haugen. She graduated from Hettinger High School in 1953.

Robert and Benita were united in marriage on 12/19/1956 and were married for 68 years, building a life together centered on family, and their farm and ranch. Benita was a dedicated partner in every sense—wife, mother, grandmother, and hardworking ranch hand. She was also a talented gardener, cook, and bookkeeper, helping keep both the household and operation running smoothly.

Benita worked at First National Bank and later at Five Counties Hospital and Nursing Home. She was actively involved in her community, including Calvary Lutheran Church CLCW, where she especially enjoyed decorating for events such as the Spring Fling pie social. She was also a member of the Spring Butte Homemakers Club and the Red Hatters.

She had a special love for animals, including Homer, Lady, Fluffy, and many cats over the years—most of them affectionately named Buddy. One of her greatest joys was picking up her grandchildren from school on Fridays and treating them to Busted T malts. She had a sweet tooth and loved pies with hot coffee. She also loved dancing, especially with the Stompers dance club, and had a particular fondness for the "Pearly Shells."

In August 2023, Benita entered Five Counties Nursing Home, where she remained until her passing.

Together, Robert and Benita built a legacy of love, resilience, and devotion to family and community.

Robert and Benita were preceded in death by their parents, Frank and Elizabeth and Ed and Mabel, their sisters and sisters-in-law, Shirley Johnson and Sharon Stugelmeyer, their brothers-in-law, John Johnson, and Melvin Haugen and their nephew, Austin Haugen

They are lovingly remembered by their children, Mark (Eileen) Schackow, Deb (Mike) Taicher, and Doug (Pam) Schackow, their grandchildren, Paul (Carla "Mae") Schackow, Matthew (Val) Schackow, Aaron (Ally) Taicher, Megan (John) Riedy, and Mandy (Tanner) Schackow, step-granddaughter, Amy Chally, their great-grandchildren, Ryan, Isaiah, Emoni, Micah, Mattias, Indigo, Forest, and two step-great-grandsons, Dylan and Ruger.

Their lives were a testament to the values they held dear—family, hard work, and kindness—and they will be deeply missed by all who knew them.

Service of Remembrance for Robert and Benita will be Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. MT at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Lemmon, SD.