Robert Goulette, Sr., 76, of Wagner

Funeral services are Monday, September 28, 2026 at the YST South Gym. There will be a meal at 11:30 AM with funeral to follow. Burial is in SSN Hobu Creek Cemetery in Santee, NE. Wake services will be at 7 PM on Saturday and Sunday at the YST South Gym. Peters Funeral Home in Wagner is in charge of arrangements.

Robert John Goulette, Sr, born on May 28, 1950, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026, at Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, love, laughter, and a legacy of hard work and kindness.

He was born to Robert “Buzz” Goulette and Goldie Redwing. He grew up in Sioux City, Iowa, and Wagner, South Dakota, where he learned the values of family, hard work, respect, and helping others—values he carried with him throughout his life.

In 1974, he married his wife, Patricia Goulette, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with family, love, and shared memories. Together, they built a family that became his greatest pride and joy.

He was a loving father to Angela Marie Mattis, Stefanie Renee Goulette, and Robert John Goulette Jr. He was also a proud grandfather to many grandchildren and a great-grandfather to nine great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

His family extended beyond those connected by blood. He shared a special bond with his younger sister, Thelma Thomas. His mother also welcomed two boys into their home, Terry Wiley and Robert Peterson, who are like brothers to him. He has many cousins whom to him are his brothers. Family was never limited by blood; it was defined by love, loyalty, and being there for one another.

A hardworking man throughout his life, Robert worked in construction before finding his calling as a professional ceramic tiler and owned a business called G&G Auto. He took pride in his work and in doing things the right way. Even at home, he was rarely sitting still. He could often be found working on home renovations, taking care of the yard, or finding another project that needed to be done.

He enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved reading, hunting, fishing, playing the card game “rummey,” and had a passion for caring and raising horses. He also helped raise and care for the family’s German Shepherds, another reflection of the care he gave so freely to the people and animals around him.

Those who knew him will remember him as a hardworking, respectful, honest, and kind man. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to tease everybody, bringing laughter and lightheartedness wherever he went. He was family-oriented and dependable—the kind of person people knew they could turn to when they needed a helping hand.

He was also a traditional spiritual man who remained connected to his values and traditions. For more than 40 years, he was there for others, lending a helping hand whenever someone needed him. His generosity, strength, and willingness to help left an impression on countless people.

His family will remember for not only the things he accomplished, but the way he made people feel: welcomed, cared for, respected, and loved. His hands may have spent a lifetime building, fixing, working, and caring for others, but the greatest thing he built was a legacy of family and love that will continue through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Robert “Big Bob” will be deeply missed by his wife, Patricia; his children and their families; his grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; his sister, Thelma and Ron; his brothers Terry and Robert; and the many relatives, friends, and loved ones whose lives he touched.

Though he is no longer with us in person, his memory will live on in the stories we share, the lessons he taught, the laughter he gave us, and the love he left behind.

May his spirit walk in peace and may his memory always be a blessing to his family and loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Goldie Redwing and Robert “Buzz Goulette”; his grandparents: Lucy Redwing, “Pa” Goulette; and his grandkids: Devin Goulette, Jenna Mattis, Canku Thomas; and nephew, Tony Thomas.